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CNY Car Theft On The Rise as NYS Attempts to Combat the Issue CNY Car Thefts on Rise as NYS attempts to combat the issue

By Chloe Smarz

With car theft on the rise, cars owners wondering if they are safe in the community.
© 2023 Chloe Smarz

Jenna Freeland – “It’s definitely concerning when I go to use my car and there are other cars in this lot that have their windows smashed.”

Syracuse resident Jenna Freeland is one of thousands across Central New York victimized by the surging rise in car theft. And with lack of evidence to prove who commits these crimes, it forms a never ending cycle of frustration.

Jenna Freeland – “It definitely makes me feel a little bit unsafe driving through this community knowing that my car can get broken into.”

The city of Syracuse has seen car theft rise nearly 36% within the past year Kia and Hyundai make up nearly 70% of the stolen vehicles due to lack of a useful anti-theft device called an immobilizer. In a statement to NCC News, Syracuse Police Sergeant Matthew Malinowski said quote ”Even with the fix from the manufacturer, there still appears to be an issue with the vehicles getting stolen. We are trying to implement a robust public information campaign alerting residents but advise car owners to get a steering wheel lock.”

That lock, also recommended by Governor Kathy Hochul. It looks something like this, and goes over the width of your steering wheel to prevent any possibility of your car being stolen. New York State also recommending that Kia and Hyundai owners get a separate car theft detection system in addition to placing this sticker on the outside of your vehicle.”

In response, New York state announced they will spend $55 million dollars in new efforts to combat the rise in car thefts. The money will go to new police and public safety equipment as well as diversion programs for young people. For Governor Kathy Hochul, she hopes these efforts will help those most at risk.

Kathy Hochul – “Now you’re hitting the people that are the most vulnerable, taking away something that is essential to their lives and livelihood. That’s why this is personal.”

Syracuse police, reminding car owners to lock their door before leaving their vehicle. Reporting from Syracuse, Chloe Smarz N-C-C News.

SYRACUSE, NY –  The city of Syracuse has seen car theft rise nearly 36% within the past year with Kia and Hyundai making up nearly 70% of the stolen vehicles. Both car manufacturers are more vulnerable to these burglaries due to lack of a useful anti-theft device called an immobilizer.

In a statement to NCC News, Syracuse Police Sergeant Matthew Malinowski acknowledges the flaw in the Kia and Hyundai system as reasoning for the spike in car theft in the community. As the two car manufacturers continue to fix the issue that has been affecting thousands around Central New York, Malinowski still doesn’t think they will resolve the issue.

”Even with the fix from the manufacturer, there still appears to be an issue with the vehicles getting stolen. We are trying to implement a robust public information campaign alerting residents but advise car owners to get a steering wheel lock.”

Governor Kathy Hochul recommended the car owners also purchase a steering wheel lock to ensure your car’s safety from theft. This was announced during New York State’s press conference following the news of a $55 million dollar effort to combat car theft in the state. The money will go to new police and public safety equipment as well as diversion programs for young people. The distribution of money will go to the countries with the highest number of vehicle theft with Erie and Monroe counting topping the list.

For Governor Kathy Hochul, combating car theft remains at the top of her list. “I want all the car thieves out there to know: You’ve reached the end of the road,” Hochul said. “My top priority has always been keeping New Yorkers safe and today we are launching a new, comprehensive strategy to combat a surge in car thefts.”

Syracuse residents like Jenna Freeland, hoping that these new efforts will help keep her community safer.

“It’s definitely concerning when I go to use my car and there are other cars in this lot that have their windows smashed. I have heard way too many stories of people getting their cars stolen, broken into or stuff taken from these cars and nothing is done about it. It’s really frustrating.”

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