Auto thefts down in King, Pierce counties compared to last year after ‘KiaBoys’ arrests

Reported auto thefts are down in Pierce and King Counties compared to this time last year,according to a new September auto theft report released by the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force (PSATT).

PSATT’s September statistics showed that 386 and 1,115 vehicles were reported stolen in Pierce and King County, respectively—an average of about 50 per day.

In comparison to September of last year, PSATT’s data revealed drivers reported 705 and 1,431 vehicles in Pierce and King County, respectively. That’s an average of around 71 theft reports per day.

Officials said they believe the drop is at least partially because of several key arrests of “KiaBoys,” who were operating throughout the region and stealing numerous vehicles.

There have been 22,029 vehicles reported stolen in Washington so far in 2024, according to the report. This is down 11.8% from the same time frame last year, according to PSATT.

Car thieves target apartment complex lots over vehicles parked on the street, PSATT wrote in the report.

Officials urged owners of Hyundai and Kia’svulnerable models to use steering wheel locks. These anti-theft devices can also act as visual deterrents, discouraging criminals from shattering windows or damaging ignitions.

PSATT officials said the best ways to take precautions to protect your vehicle include:

• Removing or hiding all valuables
• Locking your car
• Not leaving keys or fobs inside
• Not leaving your vehicle running unattended (exhaust in cold months makes these vehicles easy to spot)
• Using anti-theft devices (alarm, kill switch, steering wheel lock)
• Parking in well-lit areas

Officials alsosaid leaving a GPS tracker—such as an Air Tag or Tile—in your vehicle can help both you and the police track down your vehicle if it is stolen.