Rochester Police Investigating Pair of Recent Kia Thefts

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Police are investigating the theft of two Kia’s reported last week. 

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Police Captain Casey Moilanen said Monday the first theft was reported on the morning of July 26 and the second reported theft came in on Friday evening. Both of the thefts were reported in northwest Rochester. 

The first reported Kia theft occurred between 5 p.m. on July 25 and 11:30 a.m. on July 26 in the 4700 block of Harvest Ct. Moilanen said the owner of a 2017 Kia Sportage reported parking their vehicle outside then finding broken glass in the area where the crossover SUV was parked.

The second theft report involved a 2022 Kia Sportage owned by Hertz Rental Cars that was parked outside of a residence in the 2600 block of 15th Ave between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on July 28. The renter told police the SUV was locked and that she had the keys while it was parked outside of the home, Moilanen said. 

So far no arrests have been made. Moilanen said the Kias reported stolen are ones that car thieves can easily steal.

Kia and Hyundai have drawn the scrutiny of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who claims the automaker's vehicles are not properly equipped with anti-theft technology.