ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The rash of stolen cars and smash-and-grab burglaries is a trend that police say is not slowing down in the city of Rochester.

The thefts have often involved stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles, according to police, and some local and federal leaders are blaming the social media platform TikTok. They say the platform allegedly failed to moderate video content that encourages the vehicle thefts.

Car theft sprees here and across the country peaked in Rochester last month when investigators say 80 vehicles a week were stolen. 

"Almost all the smash and grabs we've seen are individuals under the age of 18 and they've been in Hyundais and Kias," said mayor Malik Evans. "They were taught how to steal them ... they got the how-to kit out of TikTok."

On Monday night into early Tuesday, Rochester police responded to five of these smash-and-grab incidents. According to investigators, stolen goods and shattered windows were left in their wake.

Police say the criminals target businesses, break in and steal whatever they can. The incidents often happen quickly, leaving victims behind with significant damage and financial loss.

"There's a bunch of businesses in the city that are dealing with this and all we're trying to do is help out the community and stay around and stay open for the convenience of the neighborhood," said Adel Yasin of My Way Station in Rochester.

Yasin's father's store was one of five Rochester businesses burglarized this week. It was a stolen car that authorities say crashed into the front of the store, causing extensive damage.

"They broke in, hit the register and took everything they could grab," Yasin said.

Despite the damage, the neighborhood came together to support Yasin and his father.

"Half the block was here sweeping and cleaning, which was very appreciated," said Yasin. "They love the business and that's why we're here."

Yasin's father opened My Way Station 13 years ago and this is the first time anything like this has happened. He is frustrated by the continued crime wave.

"Four or five stores on the same night and carjackings are just getting out of hand," Yasin said. "It makes me not want to do the proper things and [I] just want to shut the doors and go home."

Another business impacted by the smash-and-grab thefts is a smoke shop that's also struggling with the aftermath.

"I'm going to Henrietta, where they don't do things like this," said owner Jesus. "This is crazy. This is insane. That's the door. We've got to reconstruct all this today and pay for glass and doors. They took clothes and hats. They took less in inventory than they did in damage."

Despite the challenges, Yasin remains hopeful for the community and his business. His father will continue to keep the doors open.

"If you need help, come to us — don't break in," Jesus said.

However, Jesus has a different message.

"For you kids, if I catch you around ... I'm telling you," he said with a laugh.

The Rochester City Police Department says a dark-colored Hyundai and white Kia were used in all five incidents between Monday and Tuesday.

Earlier this week, Rochester-area leaders and law enforcement had called on TikTok’s CEO to address the recent rise in crime that officials have attributed to viral videos on their platform. A letter written to TikTok’s CEO from Congressman Joe Morelle can be found here.