Police investigating spike in Kia, Hyundai thefts in Lincoln
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Police are investigating a rash of vehicle thefts in Lincoln.
At least 12 cars have been stolen in the last four weeks.
And this week, thieves were especially busy, targeting Kia and Hyundai cars.
One of the victims, Yael Garcia Torres, found his Hyundai Elantra torn apart on Tuesday night near Capitol Beach.
“The whole panel from underneath my steering column was taken off, and I see wires hanging,” he said.
The vandals also tore apart the ignition but failed to steal the vehicle.
Garcia Torres said $200 to $300 in cash was taken.
“I have an emergency envelope filled with a bit of money,” he said. “They took that, too. I’m praying to God that the insurance will be able to pay for all of that.”
He said his roommate’s car was also vandalized.
Around 6 a.m. Thursday, witnesses spotted vehicles driving through the grass and parking lot at Fleming Fields and intentionally crashing into each other.
The vehicles left the area before officers arrived.
Around the same time, a 56-year-old man called the police and said someone stole his Hyundai Sonata near 28th and T streets.
The vehicle was later found near 29th and Apple streets. It had damage to the rear window, steering column, front, rear and both sides.
During an investigation, officers learned of several vehicle thefts and attempted thefts that happened Wednesday into Thursday.
All of the vehicles involved in the string of thefts were Kia or Hyundai models. Some of the vehicles have since been found.
An investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call police at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.
