Incident Type: Multiple Stolen Vehicles

Release Date: 3/11/23

Incident Date(s): 3/10/23 & 3/11/23

Prepared By: Lt. Edward Hartwick 

Incident Details:

The Fitchburg Police Department is investigating multiple reports of vehicle theft and similar activity that occurred overnight Friday and into Saturday morning. Five vehicles were reported stolen, and a suspect or suspects attempted to steal a sixth.  

All the vehicles were stolen from the north police district and taken from either Leopold Way, Pike Drive, or Whispering Pines Way.

Four of the five stolen vehicles have been recovered in the same area they were stolen from, and one has yet to be recovered. Officers are also investigating the potential link of one of the stolen vehicles to other property crime activity in surrounding communities.  

The stolen vehicles were either Hyundai or Kia models. They were stolen by exploiting the known Hyundai/Kia security vulnerability. Most vulnerable models were manufactured between 2010 and 2021 and are generally identifiable by a keyed ignition. Models with a push start are not included.

IF YOU OWN A VULNERABLE HYUNDAI OR KIA

These thefts occur even when the car is locked and no keys are inside. Thieves gain access to the steering wheel column by smashing a window.

To prevent these types of thefts:

 •Check and see if your vehicle is eligible for manufacturer security software updates: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/hyundai-kia-campaign-prevent-vehicle-theft

 •Utilize a steering wheel lock

REPORT SUSPICIOUS AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

If you see suspicious activity or you become the victim of a crime, including a smashed window, you are encouraged to report the incident as soon as possible.

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE CRIMES

Contact the Fitchburg Police Department at (608)270-4300 or Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608)266-6014 or P3tips.com