NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Although the surge in car thefts has finally slowed in much of Nashville, numbers show the crime is rapidly increasing in one area of the city.
According to recent data from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), vehicle thefts have increased nearly 40% in the east precinct, rising from 333 reports in 2023 to 462 this year.
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MNPD’s precinct commander attributed the rise in vehicle thefts to two things: The Kia Boys — an underaged group from the Midwest that have become social media sensations for stealing cars in unique ways— and the overall rise in adolescent crime.
One East Nashville resident, who had his car stolen and totaled a few years ago, told News 2 he has adjusted to these new circumstances.
“I leave no personal items in the car at any time. I also leave my vehicle locked most of the time now,” said Drake Melson, whose car was stolen from his friend’s driveway in East Nashville back in 2021.