Kansas City’s Rising Challenge: Illegal Street Racing and High-Performance Car Theft
Kansas City is grappling with a troubling surge in illegal street racing and dangerous sideshows, a phenomenon that has become increasingly visible on social media platforms. These events, often referred to as “street takeovers,” feature modified cars performing stunts like donuts in intersections, drawing crowds and creating hazardous situations. However, the issue extends beyond mere reckless driving; it is intricately linked to a spike in the theft of high-performance vehicles, particularly those manufactured by Stellantis, which includes brands like Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler.
The Connection Between Street Racing and Car Theft
The connection between the rise in street racing and the theft of high-performance cars is not merely coincidental. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol investigator Cpl. Nate Bradley, street racing gangs are increasingly targeting high-performance vehicles for their powerful V8 supercharged drivetrains. These components are highly sought after for their ability to transform ordinary cars into racing machines.
Bradley explains that thieves often purchase cheaper models, such as six-cylinder Dodge Chargers with damaged engines or transmissions. They then strip these vehicles and install high-performance engines and drivetrains, effectively creating a racing car from what was once a damaged vehicle. This process requires a significant level of mechanical skill, which has left even automotive engineers puzzled. “I have spoken with several engineers in Dearborn, Michigan, and they were befuddled,” Bradley noted, highlighting the sophistication involved in these modifications.
The Scope of the Problem
The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) has acknowledged the severity of this issue. At a recent Board of Police Commissioners meeting, Major Martin Cobbinah of KCPD’s property crimes division reported significant arrests related to investigations into thefts of Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles. While KCPD has not disclosed specific details about these arrests, the financial impact of these thefts is staggering. Since 2021, there have been 768 reported thefts of Stellantis products, amounting to approximately $40 million in losses.
Nationally, the problem is pervasive. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has observed an uptick in the theft of performance models from Stellantis, with the Dodge Charger ranking as the sixth most stolen vehicle in the United States for models from 2019 and newer. The Chevrolet Camaro also made the top ten list, indicating a broader trend in the theft of high-performance vehicles.
The Ease of Theft
One of the reasons Stellantis vehicles are targeted is their relative ease of theft. Thieves can use devices available online for as little as $535 to reprogram key fobs, allowing them to steal cars in mere seconds. This accessibility has made it increasingly attractive for criminals to target these vehicles, leading to a significant rise in thefts.
In response to the growing concern, Dodge has implemented new theft protection measures, acknowledging the anxiety among owners regarding the safety of their vehicles. These measures were introduced after a series of alarming reports highlighted the vulnerability of popular models like the Scat Pack, Hellcat, and Charger.
The City’s Response to Sideshows
Kansas City’s illegal street racing problem is not new, but it has gained renewed attention as videos of sideshows proliferate online. These events not only pose a danger to participants but also to bystanders and the general public. In an effort to combat this trend, KCPD launched a “Street Racer/Sideshow Operation” in September, deploying 42 officers to target five known sideshow locations. The operation resulted in the recovery of a stolen vehicle, the seizure of four firearms, and two arrests, though some city officials expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such a large deployment for relatively few arrests.
Despite these efforts, the KCPD has not conducted similar operations since September, although they continue to respond to day-to-day calls related to street racing. In a bid to deter these activities, the City Council has increased penalties for participants in sideshows and street racing. The maximum fine has been raised from $500 to $1,000, and repeat offenders could face jail time. Additionally, police now have the authority to impound vehicles suspected of involvement in these illegal activities.
Innovative Measures to Combat Recklessness
To further address the issue of reckless driving, Kansas City has implemented physical measures, such as installing “pucks” in intersections. These small black discs are designed to disrupt the ability of cars to slide or skid, making it more difficult for drivers to perform stunts during sideshows.
As the city grapples with these interconnected issues of street racing and car theft, the challenge remains complex. The allure of high-performance vehicles and the thrill of illegal racing continue to attract participants, while law enforcement and city officials work to find effective solutions to ensure public safety.
