Cleveland police are raising alarms over a new wave of car thefts. Offenders, who previously focused on Kia and Hyundai vehicles, have now shifted to Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, utilizing advanced technologies to steal cars in a matter of seconds.
New threat: cars in danger
Jeep drivers in Cleveland are expressing their outrage and surprise about the new wave of thefts.
“I didn’t even know this was possible,” said local resident Don-Nile McKenzie.
“First Kia, now Jeep. It’s just ridiculous,” added Taylor McKenzie.
Cleveland police have already reached out to citizens via social media, warning about high-tech theft methods.
How do the thieves operate?
According to Ryan Bokoch, head of the crime fighting unit of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, thieves use scanners to access the vehicle’s electronic system. They then reprogram an empty key fob to match the data of a specific car.
“This method allows the car to be stolen in less than 90 seconds,” notes Bokoch.
During searches of suspects, police have already found empty key fobs and special equipment used to hack vehicle security systems.
Stolen cars – part of a larger criminal chain
Law enforcement emphasizes that car theft is not just a standalone crime. These vehicles are often used in more serious crimes, such as assaults and shootings.
“We see a pattern: an increase in reports of shootings on the road and other violent crimes linked to stolen Jeeps,” stated Bokoch.
The scale of the problem
According to police data, at least 62 Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee vehicles have been stolen in the Cuyahoga County since November. In 20 cases, thieves likely used scanners and reprogrammed key fobs.
How to protect your vehicle?
Law enforcement recommends Jeep and Dodge owners take additional security measures:
- Park vehicles in garages or monitored parking lots.
- Use steering wheel and pedal lock systems.
- Install additional alarm systems and GPS tracking.
- Avoid leaving keys in easily accessible places.
Cleveland police urge everyone who witnesses suspicious activity around vehicles to immediately report it to law enforcement.
