VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Several teens are now in custody after Visalia police say they were involved in an alarming trend involving the thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
A total of 22 teenagers have been arrested for auto theft in the past two months, some as young as 13 years old.
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Detectives say the teens are in groups of three or four and go out looking for unlocked Hyundais and Kias late at night.
If they find a car unlocked, they hot-wire the vehicle and drive off.
The increase in thefts has become a nationwide problem.
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Social media videos show how to steal these vehicles in seconds using a USB cable.
The Visalia Police Department is reminding car owners to take preventative measures, such as locking your doors, removing valuables and parking in well-lit areas.