Vandalism Spree Hits Billings West End

West End residents woke up to a troubling scene Tuesday morning as multiple vehicles fell victim to a coordinated theft attempt that police say bears the hallmarks of a dangerous social media trend.

Ariana Ledbetter discovered her car door wide open with shattered glass covering the backseat and interior lights still burning from the overnight vandalism spree.

The would-be thieves had ripped apart her steering column and attempted to start the engine using a USB cable, a technique popularized by viral videos on social platforms.

Fortunately, Ledbetter's recent installation of an anti-theft system foiled the criminals' plan.

When Billings police arrived to investigate her case, officers revealed the shocking scope of the overnight crime wave.

"You were the tenth person this morning already," an investigator told Ledbetter, highlighting how widespread the attacks had become in just a few hours.

The trend, known as the "Kia Boys" challenge, has led to eight fatalities nationwide according to safety officials and specifically targets vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2021.

Kia and Hyundai vehicles from this era lack immobilizer systems, making them vulnerable to thieves who use only a USB cable and screwdriver to bypass security.

Casey Veatch experienced a similar shock when his vehicle vanished from his driveway overnight.

Police eventually located Veatch's stolen car at a retail location, but not before the perpetrators had caused extensive damage to the windows and steering mechanism.

The widespread nature of these crimes points to organized activity rather than random opportunistic theft, according to investigators.

Authorities arrested a 13-year-old suspect in connection with at least two incidents, though police have not released additional details about the juvenile's identity.

The attacks come at a time when Billings already struggles with one of the highest motor vehicle theft rates in the nation, with residents facing a 1 in 188 chance of having their car stolen.

Local law enforcement officials say the social media-driven trend has caused Kia and Hyundai thefts to spike 50 percent in affected communities across the country.

The Billings Police Department assigns sergeants to neighborhood task forces who provide monthly crime reports, but residents say the frequency of these incidents has accelerated beyond normal patterns.

Vehicle owners are urged to contact their dealerships about free software updates that take less than one hour to install and can prevent the USB bypass method.

For vehicles that cannot be updated, manufacturers offer free steering wheel locks or ignition cylinder protectors as alternative security measures.

Police recommend additional precautions including parking in well-lit areas, installing aftermarket alarm systems, and considering GPS tracking devices for high-risk vehicles.

The investigation into Tuesday's crime spree continues as authorities work to identify remaining suspects and determine whether the incidents are connected to broader criminal activity in the West End area.