[ Anchor 



Lead] Thefts targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles are on the rise in the United States.

In West Seattle, which saw the situation seriously, the city authorities are even filing a lawsuit against Hyundai Motors and Kia. 



This is reporter Shin Jeong-eun's report.



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The rear window of the Kia car was completely lowered, revealing the inside of the driver's seat.



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The driver's door has the words 'Kia Boys' written on it, referring to a group of people who specialize in stealing Kia cars.



[Theft victim: The police said (vehicle theft) happens often.

I searched the Internet and found out why the vehicle was stolen even though the door was locked.]



Similar thefts targeting Hyundai and Kia Motors are on the rise in Seattle, the western United States.



Last year, thefts increased by 503% for Hyundai vehicles and 363% for Kia vehicles.



Then, the City of Seattle filed a lawsuit against Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors, claiming that the manufacturer was responsible for not installing an anti-theft device in the vehicle.



They demanded a vehicle recall and compensation for crime damages, saying that it could pose a threat to public safety and that the stolen vehicles were being used for other crimes.



[Anne Davidson/Seattle City Prosecutor: The sudden increase in vehicle theft is eating away at public resources.

While (Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors) cut costs, they endangered customers and citizens and harmed public safety.] 



Since last year, cases of stealing specific models of Hyundai and Kia Motors that do not have anti-theft devices have become fashionable in the United States .

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Even a video showing how to steal appeared on social media, and in Missouri and Ohio, collective damages lawsuits were filed by the damaged borrowers. 



Hyundai Motor and Kia said they met the safety standards of the US federal government in connection with the series of complaints, and said that they are supporting steering wheel locks and security products for vehicles without an anti-theft device. 



(Video editing: Lee Seung-yeol)