BUFFALO, N.Y. — Kia and Hyundai thefts are trending downward in the city of Buffalo, but still are not as low as pre-pandemic rates.

What You Need To Know

  •  In March 2023, 100 Kias were stolen. In March 2024, 68 were stolen

  • The downward trend is in part due to funds from the Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Program from New York state 

  • In spite of the decline in Buffalo, the governor’s office however reported earlier this year that car thefts across the state are on the rise

According to data from the Buffalo Police Department, in March 2023, 100 Kias were stolen. In March 2024, 68 were stolen.

Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said he credits the Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Program from New York state. He said this grant funding that the department has received for decades was able to help target the "Kia Challenge" issues.

“We changed some of the parameters of the grant and how we can spend that money and we used it to be more proactive,” said Gramaglia. “We utilized that grant to put detectives out and mapping where these vehicles are being recovered.”

He said their partnership with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office utilizing the helicopter to safely tail suspects is also integral to policing the issue.

The overall number of vehicles stolen in Buffalo is also down by 390 vehicles year to date compared to January through April last year.

The governor’s office however reported earlier this year that car thefts across the state are on the rise.