AUSTIN, Texas — UT Austin senior Sid Sadhu's 2013 Hyundai Elantra was stolen just a few weeks ago in Hyde Park.
"I'm a college senior. I don't have a whole lot of money with me, and for someone you know to steal my car is kid of irritating," Sadhu said.
He is one of thousands of Hyundai and Kia owners targeted by car thieves due to the vehicles' lack of protective features.
In 2023, thefts increased nearly 700% across the city of Austin alone – a trend that was fueled by TikTok videos.
"To see manufacturers not install like an immobilizer to prevent these cars from leaving or just better measures to prevent, you know, anti-theft, it's just kind of you know frustrating on the users," Sadhu said.
Now Hyundai is moving forward by launching a software solution that will fit in millions of its vehicles. The Austin Police Department's auto theft unit is inviting Hyundai owners to bring their cars to Burger Sports Complex for a free upgrade.
Without exposing how the software programming works, Hyundai Motor America's Dave VandeLinde said the program they are installing prevents the type of theft that has been popularized on social media.
"The customers use their key fob to turn on and off the immobilizer solution and everyone that comes to one of these national clinics also gets a free steering wheel lock, just to add that extra layer of protection and visual kind of identification," VandeLinde said.
Concerned about the rise in thefts, Hyundai owner Rhobie Pennick is taking advantage of the free upgrade.
"We work hard for our property, and we want to hang onto it. I hate to see something like this happen, especially for kicks," Pennick said. "It's not a joke. This is affecting people's lives."
The event is happening on Saturday, March 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. outside Burger Stadium. It is also happening on Sunday, March 10 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. No appointment is needed and the process takes less than a half-hour.