Police in the US Virgin Islands have sounded an alarm to owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles following a rise in thefts and burglaries on St Croix.

The Virgin Islands Police Department said recent data shows the two vehicle brands are being targeted most frequently, as investigations into the incidents continue.

Authorities are urging owners to take extra precautions, including using steering wheel locks and ensuring vehicles are fitted with alarm systems.

Police said they will continue to monitor the situation and share updates with the public as part of efforts to improve community safety.

Across the US, there have been multiple warnings to Kia and Hyundai owners, particularly those with models such as the Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Kona, Santa Fe and Tucson manufactured between 2015 and 2021; the Veloster (2015 to 2018); and the Kia Optima, Forte (Cerato) (2015 to 2021), Optima Hybrid (2015 to 2016), Rio, Soul and Sedona (2015 to 2021), and Sorento (2015 to 2016), about car thieves targeting their vehicles.

A viral TikTok challenge saw hundreds of people, particularly teenagers, steal cars across US cities.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the social media challenge resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and 8 fatalities.

In February 2023, the NHTSA announced that Hyundai and Kia had developed theft-deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobiliser and would provide it free of charge to vehicle owners.

The software updates the theft alarm logic to extend the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to start the vehicle.