TOLEDO, Ohio — It's been a year since Kia developed theft-deterrent software for millions of its vehicles. The automaker did this because of an increase in thefts of their vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.
Penny Martens-Lee said someone tried breaking into her 2015 Kia Optima on Tuesday morning in the Lagrange neighborhood and she got it all on video.
"It happened right here in front of my house," she said. "I felt violated, like I knew it would be a matter of time, I've got that car."
According to the NHTA, some Kia cars needed a security software update after a viral social media post left them prone to theft. It's been a year since the update came out and Martens-Lee still hasn't taken her car to the shop.
At a city press conference last month, city officials said five of the six major crime categories that Toledo police track decreased from 2022 to 2023. Auto thefts saw an increase of 18.4%.
"They're confident if he would've gotten inside, he would've taken it," Martens-Lee said.
She said police recommended that she take the car to the dealership to install the update. It will extend the alarm sound and require the key to be in the ignition to turn the vehicle on.
Even though the update came out a year ago, Halleen Kia of Sandusky said people are still coming to get it done, which is something Martens-Lee plans to do soon.
"I'm off next Monday. Bright and early, I'm going to get it done," she said.
She said other people on her street have gotten their car windows busted out and items stolen from them. While it's frustrating, she doesn't plan on moving anytime soon.
"I work hard, I go to work every day, I don't bother anybody," Martens-Lee said. "We've been here for 14 years; I grew up in this neighborhood. I'm not leaving just because crime is coming around."
Kia or Hyundai owners can take their vehicle to a local dealership to get the anti-theft software update.
For tips from Toledo police on how to keep your car safe and prevent break-ins, click here.