Motor vehicle thefts have risen in dozens of cities in the United States, according to mid-year data released July 20 by the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ).

"The number of motor vehicle thefts was 33.5% higher — 23,974 offenses — during the first half of 2023 than in the first half of 2022," the CCJ report reads. "Motor vehicle thefts were 104.3% higher compared to the first half of 2019, the year before the pandemic."

Kia and Hyundai cars were also specifically targeted this year after a viral TikTok video challenge showed viewers how to steal such cars. A co-author of the report said the CCJ could not "directly confirm that Kias and Hyundais are the most targeted vehicles," though.

"It is likely that much of the increase is the result of thefts of Kia and Hyundai models," the CCJ report reads.

Research data seems to indicate the upward trend in motor vehicle theft pre-dates the TikTok challenge.

"The authors conclude that crime patterns continue to shift as the nation has emerged from the COVID pandemic and that policymakers and communities must act urgently to adapt their strategies to meet the new challenges," the report reads. "Though the level of serious violent crime is far below historical peaks, it remains intolerably high, especially in poorer communities of color."

Washginton, D.C., also saw 60% increase in violent robberies since last year. 👇