Tacoma Area Stolen Cars

AFRICA-BOUND STOLEN VEHICLES RECOVERED FROM CARGO SHIP

At the end of March, our detectives assisted the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in identifying and recovering two stolen 2022 Nissan Armadas.

The SUVs were fraudulently purchased in California using false identifications and financial documents. They were delivered to the Port of Seattle and loaded onto a container ship bound for Africa.

During a cargo inspection, CBP agents discovered manifest discrepancies and ordered the ship back to port. The container was removed from the ship and the SUVs were subsequently unloaded.

One of the SUVs had already been reported stolen, and the bank was in the process of reporting the other SUV stolen as well.

Our task force regularly teams up with local, state and federal agencies to recover stolen vehicles and make arrests.

Kia and Hyundai Vehicle Thefts on the Rise

Tacoma Police Department and law enforcement agencies all over the country, are seeing an uptick in vehicle thefts. Kia and Hyundai vehicles make up the greatest percentage of those thefts. From January 1 to January 15, 2023, 348 vehicles were stolen in Tacoma, 48% of which were Kia and Hyundai models. Comparatively, between January 1 through January 15, 2022, 207 vehicles were stolen of which 5% were Kia and Hyundai models.

The vehicles most at risk for theft are 2011 – 2021 Kia models and 2015 – 2021 Hyundai models that require a key to turn on the ignition.

Recommendations to help prevent vehicle theft:
• Install a steering wheel locking device
• Install a battery disconnect switch
• Install a kill switch (may require professional installation)
• Install an aftermarket anti-theft system (may require professional installation)
• Lock all windows and doors
• Park in a well-lit area
• Park in a secured location (garage, parking structure, etc.)
• Install a GPS tracking device
If you see someone trying to steal a vehicle, do not confront them, call 911. If your vehicle is stolen and the crime is not in progress, call the non-emergency number at (253) 287-4455.

TPD urges guardians to be aware:
Many of the Kia and Hyundai vehicles stolen recently have been used in violent crimes including armed robberies, drive-by shootings, and joyriding on city streets at high rates of speed. The suspects, and victims, in these cases are often juveniles. The Tacoma Police Department urges parents to speak with their children about the dangers of these activities.


Kia and Hyundai Vehicle Thefts on the Rise

Tacoma Police Department and law enforcement agencies all over the country, are seeing an uptick in vehicle thefts. Kia and Hyundai vehicles make up the greatest percentage of those thefts. From January 1 to January 15, 2023, 348 vehicles were stolen in Tacoma, 48% of which were Kia and Hyundai models. Comparatively, between January 1 through January 15, 2022, 207 vehicles were stolen, of which 5% were Kia and Hyundai models.

The vehicles most at risk for theft are 2011 – 2021 Kia models and 2015 – 2021 Hyundai models that require a key to turn on the ignition.

Recommendations to help prevent vehicle theft:
• Install a steering wheel locking device
• Install a battery disconnect switch
• Install a kill switch (may require professional installation)
• Install an aftermarket anti-theft system (may require professional installation)
• Lock all windows and doors
• Park in a well-lit area
• Park in a secured location (garage, parking structure, etc.)
• Install a GPS tracking device
If you see someone trying to steal a vehicle, do not confront them, call 911. If your vehicle is stolen and the crime is not in progress, call the non-emergency number at (253) 287-4455.

TPD urges guardians to be aware:
Many of the Kia and Hyundai vehicles stolen recently have been used in violent crimes including armed robberies, drive-by shootings, and joyriding on city streets at high rates of speed. The suspects, and victims, in these cases are often juveniles. The Tacoma Police Department urges parents to speak with their children about the dangers of these activities.

HYUNDAI, KIA DRIVERS URGED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PREVENT THEFT

Yesterday, 39 vehicles were stolen in Pierce County. Twenty (20) of them were Hyundai/Kia models.

Certain Hyundai and Kia models produced from 2011 to 2021 are extremely vulnerable to theft. If you own a 2011-2021 Hyundai or Kia, and you use a standard metal key to turn-start your vehicle, this message is for you.

Experienced thieves and juveniles alike have learned how to start these vehicles without a key, thanks to videos circulating on social media. Thieves will break your window, pop off the steering column, start your car using nothing more than a USB cable, and will be gone in under a minute.

That’s why if you own one of these models, it’s extremely important that you take immediate steps to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. We encourage you to purchase an anti-theft device, such as a steering wheel lock (think ‘The Club’ from the 90’s), which can be purchased online for $40.

While many stolen vehicles do get recovered by our task force and other police agencies, they are often found in an undriveable condition or have extensive damage and/or drug contamination. We don’t want this to happen to your vehicle, so we encourage you to take action today.

Stolen 12/3/22 from Hilltop.
1997 Chevy 1500 truck teal with flashing work light bar on the top. White mirror on drivers side door.
Plate Case #2233700688
reportedly seen near Pine St post office near the Tacoma Mall.

2018 Kia Optima Black Navy Mom license plate frame

2008 grey Chrysler

96 Silverado extended cab

1999 Ford F-250 Superduty
Plate # C95859Y
Sled deck on the back.
Stolen from the Puyallup Fair

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Vin 1C4RJFAG9LC359546
Stolen from the Tacoma Mall

Honda Accord white California plate
Stolen from the Vue25 Apartments at 25th/Yakima St.

2010 Dodge Charger
22” aftermarket rims. The front windshield has a strip of tint about 3” thick at the top.

FOUND!!!
1997 Jeep Cherokee new plate of
Stolen from the Museum of Glass on Dock Street. Vin

1998 Toyota RAV4 No spare tire cover on spare tire. Stolen from The Pacifica Apartments 42nd/S Pine Street by the Tacoma Mall.

94 Honda Civic green. Taken from the Spanish Hills Apartments. Plate number CEF4396

1999 F-350 black can with maroon hood. D & R Tree Service across the top front window. Has a lift kit and spacers so it's an aggressive stance. Also has modified exhaust so it's beefier sounding. Idaho plates Vin

Here is a look at the increase in Kia/Hyundai thefts in Pierce County after the recent media attention on the "Kia TikTok Challenge".

Things to note:

-Most of these thefts or attempted thefts occurred at apartment complexes.

-Several attempted thefts occurred with windows being broken out of the vehicles.

-Locked vehicles/vehicle alarms prevented some thefts from occurring.

Two days of "Kia TikTok Challenge Thefts" in Pierce County...

2021 Kia Seltos stolen from a residence in Tacoma and located in the 8200 of Hosmer St. Officers observed multiple suspects run from this vehicle and another vehicle, a 2021 Kia Soul. The Kia Soul had been stolen overnight and the owner was unaware. Both vehicles were recovered.

2016 Kia Forte stolen from a residence in Tacoma.

2020 Kia Soul crashed into a light pole in Tacoma. Vehicle had been stolen overnight and owner was unaware. Suspects fled on foot.

2021 Kia Forte stolen from the Canyon Park Apartments.

2019 Kia Sportage stolen from a residence in Puyallup. Vehicle recovered near Liberty Ridge Lane E and 108th Ave.

2018 Kia Forte was broken into at the Pacific Arbor Apartments in Parkland and damage was done to the steering column and ignition.

2013 Kia Rio was stolen from the Miramonte Apartments in Parkland.

2014 Kia Forte was stolen from the Miramonte Apartments in Parkland.

2012 Kia Forte was stolen from the Crystal Springs Apartments in Parkland.

2018 Hyundai Elantra was broken into at the Country View Condos and damage was done to the steering column and ignition.

Update: Vehicle was recovered in Federal Way.

2000 Ford F250 stolen from Lowes parking lot in Bo2000 Ford F250 stolen from Lowes parking lot in Bo Lake.

Attention Pierce County/Bonney Lake area, this 2000 Ford F250 was stolen from the parking lot of Lowe's in Bonney Lake this morning at approximately 7:00am. The truck should have a red skull sticker in the back window. If you know where this truck is, please contact us ASAP. WA License: B87815U

Reference BLPD #2222800497

Another reminder to auto dealerships and service centers. We keep reading reports of multiple vehicles being stolen from dealerships and service centers. Please secure the keys.

A look at some of the motor vehicle thefts that occur in one day in Pierce County (4/14/2022)

Lakewood
-Victim wakes up to find her 2003 White Ford F350 missing from the Lakewood Meadows Apartments.

-Victim gets her 2014 Cadillac CTS stuck near the 6500 block of Steilacoom Blvd SW and a citizen offers to help free the vehicle.
Citizen gets in vehicle and leaves with it.

-Victim reports his 1997 Ford Ranger was stolen from the SR512 and STW Park & Ride.

Puyallup
-A 2020 Dodge Challenger was stolen from Larson Dodge in Puyallup. The previous morning, Larson Dodge had been burglarized and multiple sets of keys were stolen. At least 3-4 vehicles have been stolen from the dealership since the burglary.

-Two suspects attempt to steal two vehicles from Market Place Auto in Puyallup. They are unsuccessful after damaging the ignitions on both vehicles.

-Victim parks at the South Hill Mall and comes to find her 2000 Honda Civic missing from the parking lot.

Tacoma
-Unknown suspect attempts to steal a 2012 Ford F250 near the 2300 block of South C St in Tacoma. Damage was done to the door lock and ignition.

-An individual goes into Tacoma Subaru to purchase a vehicle. While “shopping” for a vehicle, the individual grabs the keys to another vehicle and steals a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek.

-Victim reports his 2005 Sprinter Van was stolen from the 4100 block of East 11th St in Tacoma.

-Victim reports her 2002 Ford F250 was stolen from the 4500 block of South Steele St in Tacoma.

-An individual came in to look at vehicles for sale and steals a 1993 Chevy Suburban from 777 Auto Sales in Tacoma.

-Victim reports his 1997 Honda Civic was stolen from the Tacoma Community College Park & Ride.

-While grocery shopping at Fred Meyer (7250 Pacific Ave S), victim’s 1999 Ford F250 was stolen from the parking lot.

-Victim advised his 2004 Jeep Liberty was stolen from his apartment complex near the 9200 block of Hosmer St in Tacoma.

Unincorporated Pierce County
-Victim was visiting a friend in the 17800 block of Canyon Road and reported her 2001 VW Jetta was stolen.

-While eating dinner at El Toro (13719 Pacific Ave S), the victim’s 2002 Ford F250 was stolen from the parking lot.

-While shopping at Walmart (16502 Meridian E), the victim’s 1997 Honda Civic was stolen from the parking lot.

-Victim reported his 2015 Nissan Altima was stolen from his driveway near the 17400 block of 26th Ave E. The keys may have been accidentally left inside the vehicle.

-Victim reported his 2019 Toyota 4Runner was stolen from his driveway in the 27500 block of 153rd St in Buckley. The victim’s truck had been prowled in Seattle a few weeks prior where an extra set of keys for his 4Runner had been stolen. It appears the suspects located the victim’s residence to steal his 4Runner.