Gone in 60 Seconds: It’s not just a famous heist flick, it’s a reality playing out on Raleigh streets—and nationwide. And it’s precisely what the Raleigh Police Department Auto Theft Task Force is designed to solve.
By the Numbers: Cars Stolen
2021
Up 10.2%
1,130
2022
Up 13.4%
1,281
2023
Up 57.8%
2,022
2024
Up 20.7%
2,440
2025 (Jan./Feb.)
362
Mobilized in June, the task force has already seen measured success—so much that the new police chief plans to make the team permanent, says Lieutenant JC Black, who heads up the special unit. “Chief [Rico] Boyce has had a hand in the creation of this team from the very start,” Black tells Raleigh Mag in a sit-down interview. “He was our operations deputy chief when we discussed implementing this team and has been extremely supportive.”
An epidemic spurred by the viral TikTok Kia Boyz challenge showing how to swipe Kias and Hyundais with a USB cord, carjackers run the gamut from joyriding juveniles to organized crime rings employing 007-worthy tech like key programmers. “When we started heavily focusing on the Kia Boyz challenge, that opened this whole world of organized car theft groups to our department—and departments around the country as well,” shares Black.
Kia Boyz photo YouTube
And if it’s got wheels, it’s fair game. While Infinitis, BMWs and Mercedes are among the makes getting hit locally, Hyundai, Kia and Dodge top the target list. Fast-track felons move from dealerships to driveways, including a recent crime ring spree at dealerships swiping Dodge Chargers, Challengers and high-end Jeeps; and a masked summer parking deck heist at Midtown’s luxe apartment tower The Eastern.
Once snatched, gearshift grifters clone the cars and hock them on Facebook Marketplace and the like for a quick and easy buck. “It’s a lucrative business for them,” notes Black. “They turned to this type of criminal activity because the punishment is less severe. You’re not dealing with a rival drug dealer who might potentially kick down your door.”
Further fueling incentive, the National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates every crime has an 80% vehicle nexus, says Black. “Someone has to drive to the scene. We’ve identified stolen Hyundais and Kias utilized in violent crime—shots fired into occupied homes and several incidents where individuals were shot. We know by targeting these, we’re going to have an overall impact on violent crime in the city.”
Logos courtesy of brands
Beyond your casual joyride, there’s a handful of lucrative tactics employed to strip, smuggle or scrub the cars to make bank.
Title Washing Tactics
From Bond-like techniques to brainiacs, auto bandits can be very sophisticated, says Black. One such trick, title washing is employed to erase a car’s stolen past. By swapping VINs and registering vehicles in multiple states, they create a paper trail that hides its true identity, culminating in a clean title for an unsuspecting buyer. As state title laws vary, tracking these scams can be difficult, says Black. “We’re recovering cars from all over the place: Indiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida. We recovered a $187K Lamborghini Urus stolen out of Texas registered to somebody here.” Cars jacked here that aren’t recovered in the first few days likewise turn up in places like Charlotte, Virginia, Georgia and Florida. “This is something that is certainly connected throughout the U.S. with some of these organized core theft groups. It’s wild.”
Smuggled & Shipped
From driveways to docks, U.S. ports are pipelines for stolen cars shipped overseas for big bucks, says Black. Packed into containerships, these hot wheels are funneled to West Africa—usually Ghana—where their price tags multiply fourfold, fueling a lucrative black market.
Chop Shop Sting
Turning stolen cars into untraceable parts, chop shops are still a thing, but RPD is cracking down and making it harder for thieves to cash in by working closely with the NCDMV License & Theft Bureau to track, raid and dismantle illegal operations.
GRAND THEFT AUTO: RPD Auto Theft Task Force pictured with recovered Lamborghini Urus and Jeep Wrangler; courtesy of RPD
Ultimately, no matter the payoff, it’s a high-stakes chess match. “We were very quiet about our organized car theft group investigations early on because we really wanted to target them and get them off the street,” says Black. “But with everything we do, information ends up in search warrants and police reports, and when those investigative techniques get out, they try and get one step ahead of us—think theft methods, technology, etc. It’s certainly a game of cat and mouse.” But no matter how fast they pivot—RPD’s working to stay ahead of the curve.
Don’t be a Target
If it all feels a little Fast & Furious, here’s how to stave off the steal.
Track it: Install LoJack or hide Apple AirTag or similar device with disabled speaker to prevent detection and enable recovery
Power off: Unattended idle cars are theft magnets—and against the law.
9pm routine: Exterior home lights on and security cameras recording, valuable/firearms removed, vehicle locked, doors and windows shut, check for/report suspicious activity
Don’t arm thieves: Cars with guns are targets.
Update software: Prevent “Kia Boyz” theft methods with dealership software updates to Kias and Hyundais.
Remove parts: Remove start relay or fuel pump fuse to secure Dodges and Jeeps.
Lock steering: RPD provides free locks for Kia and Hyundai owners.
Whether you’re a car connoisseur or couldn’t care less—car culture is fueling up. And we have the intel on everything automobile, from emerging car clubs to “Airbnb for cars” to the latest tech gadgets coming down the line this fall. Ready, Raleigh? … Fasten your seat belts.
For more than half a century, the car has been a centerpiece of American culture—a symbol of status, of ambition, of personal freedom. But a lot has changed in the time between boomers and zoomers. Today, a large number of Gen Zers are delaying getting their driver’s licenses and even turning their backs on car ownership entirely, citing financial and environmental concerns. In general, our modern relationship with the automobile has become complicated—think less “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” more flaggin’ down an Uber.
This shift in preference from ownership to access has led to an explosion of peer-to-peer car-sharing businesses (essentially, Airbnb for autos). Take Turo, for example, which “affords everyone the opportunity to find the transportation they need, plus turn an expensive asset—their vehicle—into an earnings engine,” explains Catherine Mejia, who works in public affairs and communications for the brand. As of Dec. 31, 2022, Turo had more than 160,000 active hosts, 320,000 active vehicles and 2.9 million active guests from around the world participating in its marketplace.
Despite these emerging trends, car demand remains high—as evidenced by the scarcity of popular vehicles on sales lots and often monthslong waitlists for new cars (especially hybrid and electric models). At the same time, new niche groups celebrating everything from antiques to exotics are gaining ground. Just ask Melvin Williams, the marketing director for Car Space—a buzzy new private coworking space and social club designed for car lovers—if interest in cars is waning, and he’ll assure you: This is one movement showing no signs of a slowdown.
“The current culture surrounding cars in Raleigh is vibrant and dynamic,” Williams explains. “The city has witnessed a remarkable growth in the car scene, with enthusiasts from all walks of life coming together to celebrate their shared passion.” He points to the renowned Cars & Coffee Morrisville, the largest monthly free car show in the Southeast that attracts more than 3,000 cars each month, as a testament to this thriving community. “You have everybody moving here because of the jobs and opportunities,” says Cars & Coffee Morrisville founder Rob Ayers, “and all the growth in the area promotes growth within the car community.”
Whether or not Gen Z continues to eschew driving, Williams maintains confidence that Americans’ fascination with the automobile will endure. “Today’s youth exhibit an impressive knowledge and appreciation for automobiles,” he declares. “This is fueled by a multitude of factors, including the growth of Formula 1, video games and a strong sense of nostalgia.” Although it may seem as if that iconic image of fun-loving drivers cruising Route 66 has disappeared into our society’s collective rearview, perhaps a revival of car culture—and a renewed gratitude for the automobile’s integral role in connecting people and communities—is closer than it appears.
Cars & Coffee
Fueled Up
It’s probably a good rule of thumb that you should never make plans with a Raleigh auto buff on the first Saturday of the month. That person is likely headed to Cars & Coffee Morrisville, the largest free car show in the Southeast and a cornerstone of the local car enthusiast experience.
Founder Rob Ayers, whose day job is in landscape architecture, rediscovered his passion for cars following the loss of his mother and decided to launch the event in December 2015. “It totally brought me out of that low point in my life, meeting new people and making new friends,” he says. “I credit all that happening for a reason.”
As Cars & Coffee Morrisville has grown—the first meetups only had ~30 cars in attendance—that tight-knit community feeling has remained. “I try to make it more of a community event than just a car show,” Ayers explains—which he achieves by regularly teaming up with Triangle charities and schools to find ways to give back, plus getting involved with community health initiatives (from offering COVID vaccines to inviting a blood bus for donations). And car lovers can’t get enough: With ~200 sponsors and a large social media following—think 12.2K Instagram followers alone—the support behind the event is staggering.
The vehicles are certainly a main attraction; however, Ayers says that attendees can typically expect between 50 and 75 exotic cars to show up at each event. “And we do a different theme every month,” he shares. In June, for instance, the focus was British cars, while May highlighted Lamborghinis and April featured Ferraris. “I’m a little biased to Ferrari because I have one,” Ayers says with a laugh.
But you don’t have to own a specialty car to join the Cars & Coffee craze—all makes, models and years are welcome. In fact, you don’t have to own a car at all. “We strive for everything being inclusive,” says Ayers—“not just the exotics, not just the classic cars, but everybody.” carsandcoffeemorrisville.com
Driving Force
The story of Car Space—Raleigh’s newest private coworking and social club—began with a group of locals, each at pivotal moments in their professional journeys, who bonded over a shared love of all things automotive. “The founders recognized that cars possess a unique power to break down barriers and foster connections. Engaging in conversations about cars creates an instant rapport, paving the way to build professional relationships, personal friendships and more,” reveals Marketing Director Melvin Williams. “Car Space became the natural extension of this.”
That isn’t to say only devoted car enthusiasts can join this exclusive new club. Car Space is a haven for entrepreneurs, innovators and anyone seeking a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. The upscale coworking space aims to seamlessly bridge the gap between work and play, offering its members a creative escape from the monotony of traditional office environments. Picture sleek, state-of-the-art facilities and a plethora of social amenities ranging from an exclusive cocktail bar and cigar lounge (!) to golfing and racing simulators. And let’s not forget the exotic car gallery, which will exhibit an awe-inspiring and constantly evolving collection of rare vehicles never before showcased in NC. “The atmosphere at Car Space is electric—alive with the hum of conversations that transcend mere networking,” says Williams. “Relationships sparked by a simple question—‘Have you ever seen a car like this?’—can blossom into partnerships, collaborations and lifelong connections.”
With an array of captivating events on the horizon—think a TED-style talk series, chef-prepared dinners and wine tastings—Car Space is revved and ready to serve as a launchpad for its members’ success. (In fact, as of press time the club has already attracted more than 200 members.) “As the doors swing open, we’re brimming with excitement to welcome the Triangle into a space where extraordinary cars become the backdrop to extraordinary lives,” Williams shares. Look for a second Car Space to debut in Charlotte in 2024, with a Charleston club also on the way. carspaceinc.com
Sharing Is Caring
Turo has a simple mission: to put the world’s 1.5 billion cars to better use. “Cars are underutilized assets that sit idle 95% of the time, and vehicle ownership is getting more expensive every year,” explains Catherine Mejia, a public affairs and communications rep for the innovative company, which now boasts the world’s largest peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace.
Since launching in 2009, the booming biz has aimed to solve these problems via an app-based platform that allows anyone to arrange transportation in a pinch, or transform their vehicle into a lucrative side hustle. By empowering private car owners in 11,000+ cities worldwide to connect with drivers seeking a fun, customizable car sharing experience, Turo has shaken up the car rental industry in a major way.
Indeed, Turo is a game-changer for cities like Raleigh and truly offers something for everyone. Are you an experience-seeker looking to splurge on a swanky ride so that you can turn heads on the highway a la Christie Brinkley? Mejia recommends applying the “Deluxe” and “Super Deluxe” filters in your rental search, which highlight models valued at $55,000 or higher. Want to pay off an expensive car by renting it out? Give hosting a go—the company prides itself on having several teams dedicated to supporting these users, equipping them with pricing insights, robust trust and safety policies, and a tiered selection of protection plans, among other helpful services.
Ultimately, no matter how you choose to use the app, it’s time to embrace the fact that we’ve officially entered our car sharing era—and many see it as the wave of the future. turo.com
Classics Rock
Who doesn’t love a good comeback? Just as decades-old fashion trends resurface time and time again, several retro cars are making a return to the spotlight in 2023.
Trending Now “At present there is a demand for restored pickup trucks from the ’50s through the ’70s,” shares Denny Oestreich, an avid restorer of vintage cars and former president of the Triangle chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. “Ford Broncos are very popular and sought after.” (S/O to Sydney Sweeney!) Additionally, “Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars from the ’60s and ’70s maintain popularity today,” he says, while “interest in Ford Model T’s and Model A’s has diminished, and prices have dropped significantly.”
Driving the Change “The car trends follow the age of buyers who accumulate the means to purchase and restore a vehicle they admired and desired in their youth,” explains Oestreich, who owns three 1957 Chevrolets—all of which he restored himself. Most modern buyers tend to look for “a restored original vehicle or a drivable vehicle that can be restored,” he adds. “Vintage cars and trucks are best if they are all there because looking for replacement parts can be very expensive.”
Forward Thinking Looking to the future, Oestreich predicts that performance vehicles and restomods—aka cars that look original but have been restored with modern improvements—feat. high-quality workmanship will remain most coveted among vintage collectors.
Insider Tip “Restoration is not inexpensive,” the car buff maintains—in fact, a good repaint of a vintage vehicle can cost $10,000 or more. “You have to be able to do some work yourself to save costs.”
Summertime & the Drivin’ Is Easy
With summer road trips in full swing, Turo renters are jumping on the EV bandwagon. “The Lucid Air, Mercedes-AMG G63, and Rivian R1T are among the models with the largest increase in searches in the first quarter of 2023 on Turo,” reveals Mejia. “Interest in electric vehicles hit a record high last year, and Turo expects that interest to continue to grow—there’s already a 139% increase in the use of the ‘electric’ filter for 2023 summer trips.”
As for the hottest luxury cars this season? “Of the desirable ‘Super Deluxe’ models guests are looking at the most this summer, the opulent Rolls-Royce Ghost captures the most attention, followed by the BMW 7 Series and the Cadillac Escalade,” Mejia shares.
Down the Road
What fascinating new features will define our future cars? Here, Steffany Stanic, executive director of the Wake County New Vehicle Dealers Association—and a driving force behind the NC International Auto Expo coming Sept. 8–10 to the Raleigh Convention Center—explores emerging trends for 2024 models and beyond.
What is the car world buzzing about at the moment? The ‘buzz’ in automotive is all things electric and how EVs will continue to reshape the future of the car world. EVs are here to stay, and Wake County auto dealers are committed to continuing to provide a first-class buying experience for our customers, whether online or in our state-of-the-art showrooms.
What cutting-edge tech can we expect to start seeing? Expect surround vision technology, which is a bird’s-eye view from different angles when parking, plus built-in Wi-Fi. And vehicle manufacturers are getting into the auto-pilot game. Chevrolet will be offering super cruise (self-driving) technology in many of its fully equipped EVs and SUVs moving forward. We will also be seeing new in-vehicle software developed by the manufacturers for a more efficient, enhanced experience with different subscription models that will get you more access to more features.
Tell us more about the upcoming auto show. Will any of these innovations be on view? Many of the vehicles on display will be equipped with these features, and we will also be offering ride-and-drives where showgoers can get an up-close-and-personal look at some of this exciting new technology.
Wake County New Dealers Association is committed to not only bringing a variety of makes and models to Raleigh at the auto show so people can experience the newest developments in the car world, but is also committed to giving back to charities and organizations through this event, including Wake Tech’s Hendrick Center for Automotive. … We are making this auto show bigger and better than ever.
You Are What You… Drive?
Comedian and Raleigh native Spencer Bland reveals what your ride says about you.
Audi “You’re classy, but not fake classy. You like a good night out, but you’re home before the bars close. A sensible classy. You work in RTP.”
BMW “You think cars are a status symbol, you are better than everyone else (that’s what you tell yourself)—but no one knows you got this car for like $7K off Craigslist because it’s constantly in the shop.”
Ford F-150 “Your car—excuse me, truck—is your entire personality. You say you don’t care, but secretly you care a lot.”
Chevy Tahoe“You have a lot of kids, but would rather die than get a minivan. You are not a minivan person. You’re a cool mom!”
Tesla“You think you’re saving the planet with your space car, but you’ve never recycled a day in your life. You try to forget your car is a rolling ad for the guy who ruined Twitter.”
Porsche “You saw James Bond one time and made it your life goal to be that cool. Now you are that cool. Or you’re a dad (and maybe still cool).”
Jeep Wrangler “You went muddin’ one time in high school and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. You don’t want to become a ‘Jeep person’ but you really want to put a ‘It’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t get it’ sticker on the back.”
Range Rover “You have money or you want people to think you have money (and are very in debt). You have an emotional connection to the music of Dave Matthews Band.”
Honda Odyssey“You have children, multiple. Sometimes you put the pedal to the metal and pretend you’re in a Porsche, but then you notice the stick figure family sticker on the back of your car and slow down.”
Mini Cooper “Congrats, you’re one of six people who own a Mini Cooper. You are unique, a little fun and wish you lived in Italy.”
Honda Civic “You are average. Middle of the road. The B- of humans. But that’s not a bad thing; while everyone is worrying about gas prices, you’re laughing as you get 38 MPG and have 472,000 miles on your car.”
Toyota Prius “You either really care about the environment or you really care about not paying a ton for gas. Regardless, you’re probably a very interesting person, but no one knows that because you drive a Prius and don’t have friends.”
Subaru “You moved here from the PNW or Colorado or you’re about to move to the PNW or Colorado. You really like hiking—like, Patagonia’d-out-to-go-to-the-bar like hiking.”
Mercedes-Benz “No one who drives a Mercedes is reading this article. You’re on a yacht in the Maldives somewhere while your monthly car wash service waxes and shines your mansion-mobile in your driveway. You don’t tip well.”
Chevy Corvette“You’re still not over the death of Dale Earnhardt. To honor him you tailgate everyone, even in school zones.”
Hummer “Really? A Hummer? In 2023? OK. You’re really into Army Surplus and the idea of supporting the troops, but you’d never enlist. You think ketchup is spicy.”
Toyota Camry “Your parents gave you this car in high school and you’re shocked it’s still running. You’re fun at parties and lost a sock in your car seven years ago and have no idea where it went. You have a name for your car.”
Pontiac “They still make Pontiacs? Wow. Umm. Honestly, no notes—congrats on owning a Pontiac. You are unique or you got this car as a hand-me-down.”
Thees W@#$ Folks Crazy (!) according to this comedic king whose internet personalities (think: Ms. Mary, Uncle Leroy and Miss Keisha) are coming to our fair city. goodnightscomedy.com
4/13 Whiskey or Bourbon?
Knowledge is, well, neat. Belly up for brown spirits explained by awarded whiskey educator Raj Sabharwal, with a tasting of some award-winning tipples to boot. vitishouse.com
4/13–23 Inherit The Wind
Blow on over to the theater for a play based on real life events of the ’20s—think two lawyers going head to head over controversial schoolhouse curriculum. You know what they say… live, laugh, lawsuit! theatreinthepark.com
4/14 Aly & AJ: With Love From
Like, whoa! This sister pop rock duo is taking the stage in Raleigh to belt out your fave tunes (“Potential Breakup Song,” anyone?). You’re not livin’ until you’re livin’… @ritzraleigh
4/14 Mt. Joy
Here’s a silver lining: Mt. Joy is stopping in the City of Oaks during the band’s 2023 tour to “let loose.” redhatamphitheater.com
4/14, 16 Porgy and Bess
“Summertime and the living is easy…” See this story of a woman scorned and a man in love set in 1930s Charleston. We’re all suckers for a tragic tale of unlikely love! ncopera.org
4/15 13th Annual North Carolina ’Cuegrass Festival Go hog wild for brews, cue and bluegrass at The Pit’s annual fam-friendly fest.cuegrass.com
4/15 Chinese Food and Culture Festival
We’re all a-bao-t sampling a slew of Chinese food. Stroll the streets of Downtown Cary and celebrate the culture and cuisine of East Asia with your taste buds. How rice! facebook.com
All about good vibrations? Join DBR and the Raleigh Civic Symphony for an evening of violin music and contemporary sounds. Bows out! live.arts.ncsu.edu
4/15 The Greater Good Bloc Party
Join the cool kids on the bloc for a celebration of 321 Coffee and NC State’s collab feat. yoga, Howling Cow ice cream, live music, and a Mr. and Mrs. Wuf meet-and-greet—and conclude all the excitement with barista Sam and some NC State football players slingin’ espresso shots. Cool beans! 321coffee.com
4/15 Ice Cream Social
We all scream for ice cream! Scoop some of Bold Batch Creamery’s frozen sweet stuff to benefit Equality NC—because nothing tastes sweeter than supporting a good cause. @hartwellraleigh
4/15 Mural Paint Party
Let’s get this party arted. Celebrate the opening of LaMantia Gallery’s new digs by making your mark on a community mural while enjoy a mix of music and libations. It’s time to express yourself. lamantiagallery.com
4/15 Ruston Kelly
Our weakness? The croons of this singer-songwriter rolling into town this Saturday. lincolntheatre.com
4/15 Walk to Defeat ALS Triangle Lace up your sneaks and take a step in the fight to stamp out ALS. @alsncchapter
Starting 4/15 Cars + Caffeine
Need some fuel for your weekend? Rev your engines for this monthly event feat. a slew of handpicked makes and models of vehicles from around the globe. No reckless driving allowed! facebook.com
Doughnut even worry about it. Roll up to the rooftop to down some sourdough sweet treats complements of Tepuy Donuts—with fun flavors like banana pudding, lemon poppyseed, mocha coffee and more. So sweet! thewillardraleigh.com
4/16 Harlem Globetrotters Bounce over to PNC as the world’s winningest team slam-dunks the Washington Generals via this interactive game day experience, also touting unparalleled athleticism and ball-handling wizardry to boot. Ballin!pncarena.com
4/18 Ripe
For “sleek grooves and bold melodies,” seek out the sounds of this alternate quartet bringing art out of adversity—and ride out the tough times. lincolntheatre.com
4/19 The Soul Psychedelique Band (With a Sprinkle of Prince)
Cue the nostalgia. The first of Live After 5’s highly anticipated lineup will be spinnin’ up good sounds that are certainly no hallucination. Play on! downtownraleigh.org
4/19—23 ACC Men’s & Women’s Tennis Championships
Time to get served as ACC teams battle it out on the court for the championship title at Cary Tennis Park. We love to see it! theacc.com
This month, thousands of hot rods, street racers, muscle cars and custom trucks from all over the country will make a pit stop in Raleigh. The PNC arena is the penultimate destination for the HOT ROD Power Tour’s traveling car show, the world’s largest, and it marks the first time in the tour’s 24-year history that it, and its competitive events, will grace Raleigh with an appearance.
“We always try to figure out where we can hit these cool race tracks for everybody to be doing the autocross and drag racing and burnout competitions,” says HOT ROD general manager Jonathan Mill. “It’s also to bring the experience to new places. Raleigh is the second-largest city in North Carolina, so it was a natural choice to pick it out as one the new places we wanted to stop.”
The tour, which starts June 9 at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky and culminates at zMax Dragway in Concord on June 15, is expected to draw around 50,000 people at each of its stops in seven cities during its weeklong tour. Crowds comprise curious spectators of all ages as well as car enthusiasts looking to get up close and personal with vehicles that turn back the clock. Vintage car fans register their vehicles and take part in a drag racing competition, or check out the “long haulers,” cars and their owners who are making the entire 1,300-mile trek, from start to finish.
But you don’t have to own a 1955 Ford Thunderbird to enjoy the event.
“In a place like Raleigh, [the tour] reminds people of their heritage,” says Mill. “In North Carolina, racing is still very strong and very alive. They can even join us on the next stop and see the drag races at the drag way, zMax. It brings a sense of nostalgia to the area, like they can roll into a gas station and feel like they’re stuck in the 50s.”
The main stage at the event will feature celebrity signings, games, local bands and dozens of giveaways for all ages.
“We encourage bringing the family out, even if you can only make two stops,” Mill says. “Hop on the road with us and see what it’s like to go through these small towns with these kinds of cars. It will make you want to own one; I can tell you that.”
The HOT ROD Power Tour comes to Raleigh June 14; participants can register vehicles for a single day for $45, or come out to see the show at no cost.
