BUFFALO, N.Y. — Kia and Hyundai owners are faced with insurance headaches and the decision of whether to sell their cars after being victims of the "Kia Challenge."

“I mean, I’m going to have to sell my car and I’m sure a lot of people are as well,” said Logan Giddings, whose Hyundai Elantra was stolen as part of a surge in thefts due to a trend that showed people how to break into and steal cars designed without immobilizers.

It is something thousands of people in New York state alone are facing as thefts continue to rise, in some cities like Buffalo, at a rate of 12 per day.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she is "laser-focused" working with law enforcement on the issue.

"It is frustrating to me that Kia and Hyundais have not made the necessary changes to protect their own ignition systems,” said Hochul. “I also want these car manufacturers to take ownership that it is just too easy to steal these vehicles.”

Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said when a minor does it and gets caught, they could be sent home on an Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (UUV) charge, but if they are caught again, the courts are able to hold them. 

“I get it that they’re kids,” Flynn said. “And they’re, you know, their brains are not mentally developed yet, all right. And so we as a society, though, in the criminal justice system, can’t be excusing their behavior. We need to be handling their behavior.”

Kia has advised people to bring their vehicles into the dealership for a software update and to purchase steering wheel locks.

Giddings said he purchased a steering wheel lock, but had little faith that it would deter another theft.

Police are warning people that thieves have found ways to circumvent steering wheel locks. Owners of these vulnerable vehicles are advised to block their cars into driveways with other vehicles or park in a closed garage.