The “UMKC Parents and Families” group on Facebook has raised concerns about children’s vehicles on campus; as well as campus safety.
UMKC is immersed in the city, making it prone to off campus crimes, and susceptible to a new trend increasing auto break-ins across the country. These vehicles are essentially vulnerable due to their immobilized engines.
“UMKC, as well as the entire nation, has been impacted by an increase in car break-ins and auto thefts due to viral videos on social media. These videos highlight a manufacturing defect in certain Kia and Hyundai models,” said Phillip Murphy from the UMKC Police Department community engagement unit.
This trend has gained online attention and is even circulating among students on campus. Some students have experienced one of these break-ins personally.
“I know one car, a Kia, was stolen out of my apartment complex. My friend’s car got stolen at a bar and it was a Kia,” said junior LeeAnn Conrad.
An increase in break-ins means an increase in safety and preventive measures on campus.
“One precaution we implemented was to make our students, staff and faculty aware of the nationwide Kia and Hyundai auto theft trend,” Murphy said. “We also secured a number of steering wheel locks for these vehicles available at the UMKC Police Department.”
Despite being aware of potential break-ins, students have expressed their comfortability parking their cars on campus.
“I’ll come in at 9:30 a.m. and leave around 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., and I feel like I’ve seen enough patrol cars checking campus parking. I just feel like I’ve seen enough people moving and checking the car situation,” said Halley Vogts, a junior.
Heavy police presence and patrolling keeps students and faculty safe. However, only so much can be done. Murphy offers advice for students at risk for these auto thefts and breaks-ins.
“We urge all Kia and Hyundai owners to have their vehicles checked for the manufacturing defect that makes them vulnerable to theft. We also advise that you do not leave valuables in your vehicle,” Murphy said.
Whether students have a Kia, Hyundai or beat up clunker; it’s important to implement preventive vehicle theft measures. These measures may range from keeping valuables out of sight to locking the steering wheeling. The UMKC Police Department is available and on duty 24/7 if students encounter a problem.
