LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kia and Hyundai have provided software upgrades to prevent thieves from using a USB hack to start the vehicles, but that hasn't stopped criminals from breaking into the vehicles, causing thousands of dollars in damage in the process.

Louisville Metro Police released an update Wednesday, saying the 8th division alone has recorded a 12% increase in auto thefts compared to the same time in 2022. From January 2023 to August 2023, more than 2,000 Kia and Hyundai models were reported stolen in Louisville. The city even filed a lawsuit against the automakers in October. 

One Kia owner told WDRB that his car has been targeted several times this year, with the culprits causing hundreds of dollars in damages each time -- even though the car never left his driveway.

Kia and Hyundai released an anti-theft software program in February designed to offer more protection for car owners. However, from the outside looking in, it isn't obvious if a car has been updated so when thieves unsuccessfully try to steal it, they cause substantial damage. 

That has kept local auto body shops like Sunshine Collision & Auto Service Center busy making repairs. 

Kia owner Bill Watkins knows firsthand that Kia and Hyundai models are still in the crosshairs, even though he has felt safe living in Louisville's Portland neighborhood for the past 71 years. He has never worried about parking on the street -- until now. 

"It's a prime target," Watkins said. "People all around here have got their cars messed with."

Would-be thieves left a pile of shattered glass in his yard after breaking into his 2017 Kia Soul earlier this month. It's the 5th time his car has been targeted, despite having the software upgrade.

Now it's back in the shop, along with several other Kia and Hyundai vehicles awaiting expensive repairs. 

"It's going to be around a thousand dollars," Watkins said. "So I'm on the hook and got to come up with some way to get $1,000 to get it fixed."

Jesus Serrano at Sunshine Collision & Auto Service Center said all the Kia and Hyundais they're seeing have "pretty much the same damage" with rear right windows being broken and damage to the steering column. 

KIA WINDOW BROKEN

Kia and Hyundai break-ins often involve broken rear right windows and torn steering columns. (WDRB Image)

Serrano said he thinks it's because thieves can't tell if a car has been updated just by looking at it. 

"A lot of these don't seem like they know what they're trying to do. I'm thinking they're just getting a flathead screwdriver and hammer and just breaking that off," he said.

Watkins said he believes a lack of police patrols in the area is also to blame. "When I was a kid, you had patrol cars and you had policemen walk the beat," he said. "They walked around down here and everybody got to know them, but they don't do that kind of stuff anymore."

LMPD said it is aware of the problem and increases patrols when resources are available. Police also recommend owners invest in steering wheel locks.

But, Serrano said he has still seen damaged cars with the locks in place. 

"It seems like they're not looking inside the car, they're just breaking the window and getting in there then they notice, but you still have a broken window," Serrano said. "I've had several customers tell me that's not working out for them."

Serrano suggested putting some kind of sign or sticker in the window telling thieves it had been upgraded.

The lack of clear solutions has left owners like Watkins out of money and out of options. 

"When that happens I can't work, because I can't get to work," Watkins said. "I can't do nothing for my family, for my mother, or anybody that I usually do for. If you add all that up, yeah, it's over $2,000 in damages." 

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