CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Division of Police and Hyundai Motor America partnered up to give away 100 steering wheel locks as car thefts rise.
For months, thieves have been targeting specific models of Hyundais and Kias by making makeshift keys. Those being targeted include Hyundais made between 2016-2021 and Kias made between 2011-2021, without push-button starts.
The wheel locks will be specific for Hyundai models only.
“Hyundai Motor America is concerned about the recent rise in auto thefts of certain Hyundai model vehicles. While all of our vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, unfortunately, our vehicles have been targeted in a coordinated effort on social media,” the company wrote in a press release.
A trend has been going around TikTok specifically, making it a contest to see who can steal one of those brands of cars.
“Vehicle thefts create great challenges for residents beyond the loss of property,” Cleveland Police Chief Wayne Drummond said in a press release. “The loss of a vehicle can impede one’s daily life in terms of travel to work, school and more.”
The steering locks will be available Wednesday, Nov. 2. Those interested in obtaining a Hyundai steering wheel lock may contact the Cleveland Division of Police Bureau of Community Relations at 216-623-5080 for more information. Proof of ownership is required.
