Los Angeles, Ca
Hyundai, LAPD to host event for vehicle owners to receive crucial software update
The Los Angeles Police Department and Hyundai are partnering to host a free anti-theft event this weekend so drivers can receive an important software update to help prevent vehicle thefts.
The software update is needed for select trim levels of all Hyundai models from 2011 to 2021.
Hyundai and Kia vehicles became the targets of thieves following a viral social media trend in which step-by-step instructions were provided to demonstrate how to steal them.
The “Kia Challenge” showed viewers how to “bypass the vehicles’ security features, dismantle their steering columns and create direct access to their ignitions,” Hyundai said. The videos challenged others to recreate and share proof of the thefts.
Thefts were so rampant that some Hyundai and Kia drivers were dropped from their auto insurance providers.
Vehicles susceptible to the thefts are Hyundai vehicles without push-button ignitions and “immobilizing anti-theft devices.” Hyundai estimates about 4 million vehicles, primarily base trim models, were vulnerable to these thefts.
Both automakers have rolled out security updates and have urged owners to take their vehicles in to a dealership to have it installed.
Still, both makes remain heavily targeted by thieves.
Earlier this week, KTLA and Crosstown reported that reports of stolen vehicles were skyrocketing in the San Fernando Valley. Kia and Hyundai vehicles had the highest number of thefts.
Hyundai officials are urging drivers to get their vehicle into the dealer or find a free update clinic.
This weekend’s event is taking place at Eagle Rock Plaza at 2828 Colorado Blvd. The update will be installed by specially trained Hyundai technicians and will take about 30 minutes to complete.
Drivers can receive the software update free of charge on either Friday or Saturday from 8 a.m to 6 p.m., or Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointments are needed, officials said.
In addition to the update, the LAPD will be giving away free steering wheel locks to all Hyundai drivers. Steering wheel locks are anti-theft devices meant to make a vehicle inoperable by locking the steering wheel in place and can only be opened with a specific key.
For more information about the Hyundai software update and where to find a clinic, click here.
Los Angeles, Ca
Boyle Heights warehouse cleanup begins as crews face 85 million pounds of spoiled food
Cleanup efforts are underway Thursday at the Boyle Heights cold-storage warehouse that burned for eight days after firefighters officially declared the massive blaze knocked down Wednesday evening. Los Angeles Fire Department crews remain at the Lineage warehouse near Union Pacific Avenue and South La Puente Street as they transition into the overhaul phase, searching for […]
Los Angeles, Ca
Hospital needs help identifying man found unconscious in downtown Los Angeles
A hospital needs help identifying a male patient who was found injured and unconscious in downtown Los Angeles.
The man is believed to be in his 30s, according to the Los Angeles General Medical Center.
He was found injured on the ground on Omar Street and has been hospitalized since June 22.
He stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 176 pounds. He has brown eyes, dark brown hair and tattoos across his upper body.
He did not have any personal belongings to help staff identify him or contact loved ones. Workers did not disclose the nature of his injuries.
Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call clinical social worker Cesar Robles at 323-409-6885.
The public can also call the L.A. General Medical Center’s Department of Social Work at 323-409-5253 or, after hours from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., call 323-409-6883. On weekends, call 323-409-5254.
Los Angeles, Ca
Clue may identify SUV in Long Beach hit-and-run that left woman injured
Police are asking the public for help Wednesday in identifying a hit-and-run driver who left a woman badly injured in Long Beach late last month. The May 24 crash occurred around 11 p.m. as the victim was crossing East 2nd Street, according to the Long Beach Police Department. Video provided by police showed a dark-colored […]
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