Wheaton Cops Offer Steering Wheel Locks To Deter Kia, Hyundai Thefts

WHEATON, IL — As Kia and Hyundai thefts surge across the U.S., Wheaton 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:

• Wheaton resident with proof of residency
• Registered owner of 2011-2021 Hyundai or KIA (all models) with a keyed ignition (not push-button start)

Here's how eligible residents can make an appointment to get their steering wheel locks:

• Click the link to complete a service request form to request a steering wheel lock
• Call the Wheaton Police Department at 630-260-2161 and ask for the traffic unit

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