Help is on the way for Kia and Hyundai owners: free steering wheel locks

Craig Sailor

Hyundai and Kia vehicles have become favorite targets for car thieves recently, in part from social media challenges. Now, the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force is providing some relief.

The task force will soon be distributing free steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia owners through local law enforcement agencies.

The locks should be delivered in the coming weeks, the task force said in an announcement.

Vehicle owners will need to provide registration so police agencies can verify ownership. The locks will be available for the following models and years:

Hyundai: 2015-2021 Accent, Elantra, Kona, Santa Fe, Sonata, and Tucson; 2015-2018 Veloster

Kia: 2015-2021 Forte, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Soul, and Sportage; 2015-2016 Optima Hybrid and Sorento

When they become available, the locks can picked up at these locations:

— Pierce County Sheriff’s Department

— Tacoma Police Department

— Lakewood Police Department

— Puyallup Police Department

— Renton Police Department

— Federal Way Police Department

— Auburn Police Department

Car thieves are targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers, the task force said. Vehicles with push-button starts will have an immobilizer. Vehicles with key ignition starts may not have an immobilizer

Hyundai Motor America said engine immobilizers are standard on all vehicles produced as of November 2021 and it’s working on software updates to counter the theft of affected vehicles.

Police offer tips for all car owners to keep their vehicles safe:

— Lock your doors.

— Remove your keys from the vehicle.

— Do not leave a spare key near your vehicle.

— Close the windows.

— Park in well-lit areas.

— Install an audible alarm system and anti-theft device.

— Install a vehicle immobilizer system.

— Install a tracking system.

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