(WNY News Now) – Infiniti Q50s, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota models are the latest targets in a troubling spike in car thefts across Syracuse, driven by online tutorials and easy-to-access tools.
The Syracuse Police Department has issued an urgent warning to residents following a surge in vehicle thefts since mid-October 2024. At least 29 vehicles, primarily Infiniti Q50s, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota models, have been reported stolen in the city. Authorities note this trend mirrors patterns observed in other jurisdictions nationwide.
Investigations suggest that social media platforms are fueling the wave of thefts by providing step-by-step videos on how to steal these specific vehicles. Compounding the issue, the tools required to carry out the thefts are widely available for purchase online.
Characteristics of the Trend
- Forced Entry: Thieves often smash a rear window to bypass the vehicle’s alarm system, echoing the methods used in the earlier Kia and Hyundai theft patterns.
- Reprogramming Tool: Criminals utilize a device plugged into the car’s on-board diagnostics port (OBD), located under the steering wheel, to erase the original key fob and program a new one.
Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity by calling 911.
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