SYRACUSE, NY (NCC News) — Over the past year, Syracuse saw an increase in car theft rates. Stolen vehicles in Syracuse have gone up 62.6% from 2022 to 2023, and up a staggering 89.4% over the past 5 years, according to police statistics.
Kieran Coffey, a public information specialist with the Syracuse Police Department explained this statewide car theft trend.
“There is an issue with the ignitions where we’ve seen particularly juveniles have been breaking into the cars and using USB cords and they could steal them in as little as 30 seconds to a minute,” Coffey said.
Some cars face a higher risk than others. Car brands like Kia and Hyundai are often targeted most frequently, due to some 2011-2021 models not having immobilizers. This can be identified by the cars having keyed ignitions.
“If you look online, Hyundai and Kia have issued some recalls,” Coffey said. “If you bring your car into the dealership, they will help you try to make the car ignition safer so that obviously these thefts can’t take place.”
Some Syracuse residents with Kias or Hyundais have already faced issues due to their car brand.
“I don’t know how safe I am. I feel a little better with the upgrade,” said Mark Bregman, a Hyundai owner and Syracuse resident. “I did have a friend I played basketball with who was parked downtown and had nothing in his car at all, and they smashed the window. The alarm went off. We came running and chasing the person away, and we all figured out afterward that because his car is a Kia they were just trying to steal the Kia.”
Each area of Syracuse is experiencing this problem. In the Southwest District, stolen vehicle rates were up 86.5% this year compared to last year.
In the Southeast District, rates were up 50%, and in the North District, rates were up 60.7%.
While increased car theft is an issue across Syracuse, residential neighborhoods face a higher risk.
In Eastwood, a recent 90-day study showed 37 reported stolen vehicles. That’s up 119% compared to last year, according to police statistics.
But these thefts may not be as predictable as some may think. In fact, over 75% of people stealing vehicles are under the age of 18–some still without a driver’s license.
“I would say the average age range would be between 14 to 18 year olds. I would say at least 75% of the recent car thefts that we’ve seen have been in that age group. We have also seen some of these stolen vehicles involved in other incidents like burglaries at different stores in the area, or different things of that nature,” Coffey added.
While the matter of arrests and fines for minors is a topic police are still working on for this matter, residents feel that more should be done.
“In New York, we’re a little too soft. I think if you steal a second or a third car there should be consequences. It will help the police not have to arrest the same person stealing the same car multiple times,” Bregman said.
The Syracuse Police Department has visited various neighborhoods and handed out pamphlets on car theft and how to keep your car safe.
Coffey advised that the best thing for residents to do is lock their cars, keep their keys in a safe place, and make sure to call 9-1-1 if any issues arise.