Dozens benefit from anti-theft software upgrades provided by Green Bay police, dealers
by Mallory Allen, FOX 11 News
Service technicians from Bergstrom Hyundai and Dorsch Kia partnered with the Green Bay Police Department to host a free mobile anti-theft software upgrade clinic on Nov. 15, 2023. (WLUK/Mike Gard)
GREEN BAY (WLUK) — With thefts targeting certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles increasing at a rapid rate in Green Bay, the city’s police department and two dealerships teamed up to combat the problem.
“We’ve had a lot of people show up to do it,” GBPD Patrol Captain Clint Beguhn said. “We’re just trying to educate people about what they can do to protect their vehicles.”
Since the start of 2023, the GBPD said it has opened investigations into the theft or attempted theft of 182 Hyundai and Kia vehicles — about two-thirds of the 265 reported cases in Green Bay so far this year.
Chelsea Hardy, warranty administrator for Dorsch Kia, explained how the anti-theft software upgrade is a simple process that makes a big difference.
“It’s just a plug-in to the module in the vehicle, giving it the most up-to-date software. If someone tries to break into it, it disables the starter itself – so yes, they can cause damage to the vehicle, but they won’t to get it running and off-site,” Hardy said.
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According to Beguhn, people who attended the clinic gave positive feedback and were very grateful. “It’s been really beneficial today. This is definitely something I think we’d like to do again in the next few months because it’s gone so well,” he said.
Officials say the vehicles that need the anti-theft software upgrade are those with a turnkey ignition system — not the push-button ignition system — for the makes, models and years listed below:
- Accent (2018-22)
- Elantra (2011-22)
- Elantra GT (2013-20)
- Genesis Coupe (2013-14)
- Wife (2018-22),
- Palisade (2020-21)
- Santa Fe (2013-22)
- Santa Fe Sport (2013-18)
- Santa Fe XL (2019)
- Sonota (2011-19),
- Tucson (2011-22)
- Veloster (2012-17 and 2019-21)
- Venue (2020-21)
- Forte (2011-22)
- K5 (2021-22)
- Optima (2011-20)
- Rio (2011-21)
- Sedona (2011-21)
- Seltos (2021-22),
- Sorento (2011-22)
- Soul (2010-22)
- Sportage (2011-22)
If you missed Wednesday’s event and are eligible for a software upgrade, you are encouraged to contact your local Hyundai or Kia dealer for assistance.
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