Woodbridge Police Offer Steering Wheel Locks To Hyundai, Kia Owners

WOODBRIDGE, CT — The Woodbridge Police Department is offering steering wheel locks to residents in an effort to curb thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

"In an effort to address the recent uptick in vehicle thefts, the Woodbridge Police Department has received a limited number of steering wheel locks free of charge from Hyundai/Kia to be issued to residents," police said in a Facebook post. "Hyundai/Kia vehicles with keyed ignitions and lacking immobilizer software are being targeted by thieves at a greater rate than other vehicles. Hyundai/Kia has rolled out this program to assist in deterring thieves and reduce car thefts as they upgrade the software in all the vehicles."

To be eligible for a free steering wheel lock, Hyundai and Kia owners and lessees must be a resident of Woodbridge and provide their vehicle registration at the Woodbridge Police Department.

The locks will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. One lock will be provided per registration.

Police will begin issuing locks Tuesday at the concert on the Woodbridge Green. Locks will be available inside the police department lobby after that.

Some Hyundai and Kia thefts are reportedly related to a TikTok challenge. Last year, six of the vehicles were stolen in Shelton.

Other police departments in the state have offered free steering wheel locks for Hyundai and Kia owners. Last year, Trumbull and Manchester police announced similar programs.

See related: Kia, Hyundai Thefts Increase In Shelton Due To TikTok Challenge: PD

Trumbull Police Providing Free Locks To Kia, Hyundai Vehicle Owners

Manchester Cops Making Kia, Hyundai Locks Available