Southington PD, Hyundai Team Up To Fight Car Thefts

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local police announced Wednesday a special partnership between the town and Hyundai to try and curb a rise in Hyundai vehicle thefts locally.

Part of that partnership is the availability of 240 free, stearing wheel lock devices Southington Hyndai owners can receive on a first-come, first-serve basis from Southington police.

Police said, betwee 2011 and 2021, Hyundai vehicles have especially been a target of car thieves amid a general spike in such crimes.

As a result, "the Southington Police Department Special Investigations Unit/Auto Theft Task Force, has continued to make arrests and seek to share information to reduce thefts," wrote police in a statement.

Police said they have been in communications with Hyundai America, which is offering a free software update to Hyundai owners to prevent these types of thefts.

An appointment for this update can be completed by using: https://www.hyundaiantitheft.com.

"While software updates are being made, Hyundai America has generously donated 240 steering wheel lock devices to aid in preventing these thefts," wrote police.

"These devices will be provided to Southington residents who provide proof of residency, along with proof of Hyundai ownership."

Police said Hyundai America has provided more than 52,000 of the anti-theft devices to over 450 law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Anyone seeing suspicious activity is asked to call the Southington Police Department at (routine) 860-621-0101 or (emergency) 911. People can also email the auto theft task force with information or questions directly at autotheft@southingtonpolice.org.

To obtain a steering wheel lock, either call 860-621-0101 or come to the Southington Police Department, located at 69 Lazy Lane, Southington.