The City Of Chicago Is Suing Kia And Hyundai Over Its Car Theft Crisis
Bloomberg - Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has a plan to help tackle soaring car thefts in the city: sue the automakers.
The city has filed a civil suit against Kia Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. for failing to include engine immobilizers in various models, causing “a steep rise in vehicle thefts, reckless driving, property damage, and a wide array of related violent crimes in Chicago,” according to a statement on Thursday.
Thefts of Kia and Hyundai cars have surged across the country after social media users exposed security flaws, sparking what’s been termed the “Kia Challenge” where people livestream their larceny. At least 20 state attorneys in the US have urged Hyundai and Kia to enhance anti-theft measures, while New York Mayor Eric Adams has blamed social media for corrupting young people.
Chicago has been particularly hard hit by vehicle theft, which took off during the pandemic and added to broader concerns over spiraling crime, including carjackings.
More than 19,000 cars have been stolen in Chicago this year, double last year’s figure and three times more than in 2019. Some 8,350 Kia and Hyundai vehicles were stolen in the second half of 2022 in Chicago, from just 500 in the first six months of the year, according to the city.
“A citywide and nationwide crime spree around automobile theft has been unfolding right before our eyes,” Johnson, who’s been in power for just over 100 days, said in a statement.
Love to see it.
Accountability is when you accept responsibility for the consequences of your actions, words, and decisions. As a leader, not only must you exemplify the standard of personal accountability you expect in others, but you must be the one to hold your citizens accountable.
There's a famous quote from Kobe Bryant about accountability that applies perfectly here:
"If you are going to be a leader, you are not going to please everybody. You have to hold people accountable. Even if you have that moment of being uncomfortable.” - Kobe Bryant
I haven't seen it, but I wouldn't be shocked if Mayor Brandon Johnson didn't have this quote emblazoned on his wall over his desk at City Hall.
Because that's exactly what he's doing here. Something his predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, failed to do. Holding the people responsible for crime accountable for their actions.
"More than 19,000 cars have been stolen in Chicago this year, double last year’s figure and three times more than in 2019. Some 8,350 Kia and Hyundai vehicles were stolen in the second half of 2022 in Chicago, from just 500 in the first six months of the year, according to the city."
That's such a ridiculous amount you almost have to laugh.
Thankfully we now have a Mayor who means business and isn't going to put up with this shit anymore. They say to kill a snake, you need to cut off the head, and that's exactly what he's doing here.
Forget the gangs, forget the catch-and-release policing policies we somehow have ended up with, forget the judges who continue to let repeat offenders walk the streets; it is time to pay attention to and go after the real criminals here- the South Korean automakers for making their cars so easy to steal!
While we're at it, the Mayor should file suits against fast food chains for making their food delicious and affordable, allowing people to become obese. And why stop there? Let's go after the beer companies for the divorces they cause. And the professional sports leagues for the anguish they cause fans. I'm sure if we really put our minds to it, we can nail down everybody.
Once again, another proud day for Chicago, leading the way as usual!
Hit the music!