Cleveland is considering legal action against TikTok for “aiding and abetting” car thefts in the city.
Cleveland police records show that there have been 1,280 car thefts so far in 2023, with only nine arrests made, compared to 608 thefts in 2022.
The city has already filed a lawsuit against car manufacturers Kia and Hyundai for their failure to install anti-theft devices.
City leaders say they want to take legal action against TikTok because the app’s videos demonstrate how to steal a car in less than a minute.
Cleveland Police have identified downtown District 3 as their biggest concern, with 304 car thefts reported there from January to March 2023.
The increase in car thefts is also linked to an increase in violence, with an officer shot in the arm and leg recently.
The Cuyahoga County prosecutor’s office is currently prosecuting 300 car theft cases, but the best solution remains putting criminals behind bars.
