Free Steering Wheel Locks Aim To Curb Kia, Hyundai Theft In Village

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — As Kia and Hyundai thefts surge across the U.S., Downers Grove police are providing steering wheel locks to affected residents to help keep their vehicles safe.

The steering wheel locks are available by appointment only. Here's the criteria you need to meet to be eligible to receive one:

• Downers Grove resident with proof of residency
• Registered owner of applicable vehicle:
  • 2016-2021 Hyundai (all models) with a keyed ignition
  • 2011-2021 KIA (all models) with a keyed ignition.

Interested residents can click the link to fill out an application for a free steering wheel lock. Approved applicants will be notified by email. The steering wheel locks will be available while supplies last.

Kia and Hyundai thefts have been on the rise since 2021 when thieves began using USB cords to steal specific keyed models of the vehicles, according to Auto Blog. Since then, there have been social media challenges encouraging similar thefts, which may have been the cause of two Kia thefts in Plainfield in August.

Related: Kia, Hyundai Vehicles Targeted In Recent Thefts: Park Forest Police