In a shocking turn of events, a woman from Milwaukee named Trisha Nguyen has had her Kia stolen for the third time, even after installing a free security upgrade specifically designed to prevent such crimes. Nguyen expressed her frustration, highlighting how she was unaware of the security issue until her car was first stolen. It was only afterwards that she discovered the existence of "Kia boys," a notorious group known for targeting Kia vehicles.

This recent incident occurred on Tuesday when Nguyen's 2014 Kia Optima was found by the police, but not without damage both inside and outside the vehicle. This marks the third theft of her Kia since 2019, leaving Nguyen feeling distraught and dismayed.

Adding to her disappointment, Nguyen had implemented the anti-theft software upgrade recommended by Kia, which allegedly guaranteed protection against theft. According to her, she was initially informed that her car could only be started with a key ignition. However, the thieves managed to override this security measure by breaking the steering column and starting the car using a USB cord.

In October, during an interview with WTMJ, Emily Falecki, the project manager for Kia's anti-theft program, had explained how the software upgrade should function. Falecki claimed that even if thieves attempted to plug a USB port into the car, the ignition immobilizer would remain intact and the factory alarm would activate.

However, Falecki disclosed that successful implementation of the upgrade required Kia owners to lock their cars using the key fob. Failure to do so would render the upgrade useless. Due to these repeated thefts, Nguyen expressed her hesitancy to continue investing in Kia or Hyundai vehicles and is now actively searching for a new car.

Interestingly, Nguyen's plight is not an isolated incident. WTMJ has been reporting on an alarming trend of vehicle thefts in Milwaukee for several years. In fact, Milwaukee police informed WTMJ that there have already been 308 vehicle thefts reported in 2024, indicating the prevalence of such crimes in the area.

Nguyen is now patiently waiting to have her stolen Kia repaired, hopeful to soon resume her daily commute. However, this disheartening incident raises concerns about the effectiveness of the security upgrade provided by Kia and the rising issue of vehicle thefts plaguing the community. Authorities will need to take decisive action to combat this persistent problem and offer peace of mind to vehicle owners across Milwaukee.