Social Media Challenge Leads to Bally’s Vehicle Break-in and Teen Arrests

Police in Atlantic City recently arrested three teenagers for breaking into Kias in the Bally’s Casino parking garage. The teens were trying to complete a TikTok challenge and were caught by police nearby while walking late at night.

The TikTok challenge is one that is sweeping the internet and causing Kia owners to be concerned. The Kia Challenge sees individuals trying to break into Kia and Hyundai vehicles to steal the car. USB cables and screwdrivers are apparently the best way to turn on the cars and remove the steering lock.

Vehicle owners are worried that they may be targeted, and the most recent incident of the challenge occurred in Atlantic City. Three fourteen-year-olds were apprehended near the Bally’s Atlantic City Casino, possessing the tools needed to break into the vehicles. One child had a USB cable, while another was carrying a screwdriver.

The teens were trying to steal cars located in Bally’s parking lot. They were unsuccessful in their attempt but did damage the steering columns and are suspected of stealing items from inside the cars. One of the fourteen-year-olds had credit cards that were taken from a car that had been broken into the day before they were caught.

Two of the teens were charged with three counts of burglary and criminal mischief. This was additional charges on top of one count of possessing burglary tools. The individual with the credit card was charged with possessing stolen property.

Visitors of New Jersey Casinos should be aware of the challenge if they are driving a Kia or Hyundai vehicle.

To help with the recent theft attempts in Atlantic City, the local police department is offering free steering wheel locks for owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The goal is to hand out enough of the locks so that owners can protect their vehicles as the challenge is so prevalent.

Anyone who would like a lock must bring a card, car registration, and driver’s license to the Clayton G. Graham Public Safety Building in Atlantic City. Locks are free, and the police department is handing them out from 8 am to 3 pm.

Hyundai is also offering to reimburse owners that have already purchased steering wheel locks. They will also provide anti-theft equipment reimbursement for items like alarm systems. Earlier this year, Kia and Hyundai introduced theft deterrent software to help immobilize vehicles unless a key is used.

If you own one such vehicle, it’s a good idea to use these deterrents to avoid any theft issues. Police are also on the lookout for anyone trying this challenge, and casinos have been notified of the incidents also to be aware.

The Kia Challenge is a good reminder as to why NJ casino visitors need to be aware of their surroundings. When visiting a casino with a vehicle, be sure to park in a secure location. Remove all belongings or hide items where any passerby cannot seem them.

Park in well-lit areas so criminals will be deterred from trying to break into your vehicle. This may not always be an option, but casinos also offer security details that check the parking lots and garages often for loiterers.

When carrying large amounts of cash into a casino or when leaving, take notice of your surroundings. It’s best to avoid having cash on you as criminals will target big spenders or winners. Never be afraid to ask for an escort to your vehicle to provide an extra element of security.