WASHINGTON, USA — Car thefts in Washington state were down over 20% in January compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force (PSATTF).
In a news release posted Tuesday, PSATTF said 3,197 vehicles have been reported stolen so far in 2024 in Washington. That is down 21% from 2023 when there were more than 4,000 stolen vehicles reported.
Locally in western Washington, a notable decline has also been observed. In January 2024; 544 vehicles were reported stolen in Pierce County and 1,393 were reported stolen in King County.
In January 2023, 909 vehicles were reported stolen in Pierce County, and 1,603 were reported stolen in King County. Pierce County saw a 40% reduction in cars reported stolen, while King County saw a 13% reduction year-over-year.
PSATTF attributed the decline in part to the recent arrests of several "KiaBoyz" who were responsible for "stealing numerous vehicles each week."
KING 5 has extensively covered the issues surrounding the "KiaBoyz" and their crimes around western Washington. The moniker comes from a TikTok challenge that led to increased thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Videos on social media have shown how people can start these cars with a screwdriver and a USB cord and then go for joyrides.
One self-proclaimed "KiaBoy" pleaded not guilty in a King County Courthouse to seven felony charges in late December connected to a string of armed robberies.
Washington drivers can expect to see their car insurance premiums increase by around 20% this year. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner said this increase is due to two things: more crashes on Washington roads and rising car repair costs.