Over the past few months, our community has experienced an alarming rise in car thefts—more than 775 so far this year. That’s a staggering number, and it’s placing an undue strain on our law enforcement while endangering our children, families, and businesses in the process. We know that many of these thefts stem from “how-to” videos circulating on TikTok, encouraging the theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles in particular. Criminals must be held responsible for their actions—but we must also address the role TikTok plays in facilitating these crimes.
On Tuesday, I partnered with Monroe County Sheriff Baxter, Rochester Police Department Chief Smith, County Executive Bello, and Mayor Evans, to demand TikTok address their careless lack of content moderation that has led to a spike in theft and violent crime in our community and across the country. We’re calling on TikTok to enforce their existing community guidelines and remove these videos that are perpetuating rampant criminal activity. I’m grateful to my partners for standing alongside me on this important issue, and I remain committed to working with them to build safer and stronger neighborhoods for everyone who calls Rochester home.
Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle, Local Law Enforcement Leaders Demand TikTok Take Immediate Action to Address Rise in Automobile Thefts Stemming from Viral Videos
