NEWS RELEASE
DATE: February 20, 2025
SUBJECT: Oxnard Police See Rise in Vehicle Thefts (Kia, Hyundai, and Infiniti)
Club Vehicle Theft Prevention Device Available
CONTACT: Detective Michael Blanchard, Auto Theft Detective
(805) 385-7760 | [email protected]
The Oxnard Police Department and agencies throughout Ventura County have seen continued rise in the theft of specific vehicles over the last year. During 2024, therewere 181 Kia, Hyundai, and Infiniti vehicles stolen within the City of Oxnard. Owners of these vehicles can respond to the Oxnard Police Department at 251 S. C St. to receive a free Club Vehicle Theft Prevention Device to place on their vehicle while they are parked. Owners will only need to bring the registration or title to their vehicle to show they own a Kia, Hyundai, or Infiniti. While detectives are currently investigating these crimes, there are certain steps that owners can take to help prevent being victims of these thefts. Other prevention steps include ensuring the vehicle is locked and valuables are removed, parking inside a garage if available, parking in well-lit areas preferably under video surveillance, installing a vehicle battery disconnect switch, or placing a GPS location device, such as an Apple Air-Tag, in their vehicle.
Two of the currently targeted vehicles are Kia and Hyundai vehicles manufactured prior to 2022 that utilize a physical key to start the vehicle. Both Kia and Hyundai offer a free security upgrade for their vehicles to aid in theft prevention. Owners can check to see if their vehicles are eligible for this update using the links below, and only need to contact the nearest dealership to schedule the upgrade.
Kia:
https://customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD
Hyundai:
https://owners.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/resources/technology-and-navigation/anti-theft-software-upgrade
Other currently targeted vehicles are Infiniti sedans that use a “push to start” keyless ignition system. Owners are encouraged to keep their vehicle’s computer software up to date. If owners are unsure if their vehicles have the most up to date software, the Infiniti dealership can complete these upgrades.
The Oxnard Police Department is a participating agency in the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT). VenCATT is comprised of detectives and investigators from allied agencies throughout Ventura County. The primary goal of VenCATT is combating auto theft throughout the county, as auto theft is often inter-jurisdictional. As always, members of the public can report suspicious vehicle-related activity to VenCATT at (805) 662-2640.
Anyone with information or video regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website at www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.”