Apple AirTag, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag Giveaway For Kia, Hyundai Owners In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Hyundai and Kia owners with any model or year vehicle can receive a free Apple AirTag or Samsung Galaxy SmartTag while supplies last at a giveaway Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while supplies last.

The giveaway will be held at the Howard County Police Department Headquarters/Northern District Station, 3410 Court House Dr. in Ellicott City. Recipients must be Howard County residents and bring their license and registration. If a resident's driver's license and registration do not read Howard County, other proof of residency must be presented.

The tracking devices are intended to help locate and recover stolen vehicles. A limited number of steering wheel locks will also be available.

In recent months, Howard County Police have seen an increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, which is part of a national trend unfolding across the U.S.

Hyundai or Kia vehicle owners should consider taking the following preventive measures, per the police department:

• Use a steering wheel lock. HCPD is offering these for free to county residents while supplies last. Bring your license and registration to HCPD's Northern District Station and receive a free steering wheel lock.
• Leave a tracking device such as an Apple AirTag or Samsung Galaxy SmartTag in an inconspicuous location in your vehicle. HCPD is offering these for free to county residents while supplies last.
• Purchase a security kit recently released by Hyundai and Kia. Contact a local dealership for more information.
• Practice standard vehicle theft safety measures such as parking in a secured access lot or personal garage if you have one.

If your vehicle is stolen, residents are advised to not attempt to locate it on their own. Instead, contact 911 immediately and advise them of the color, year, make, model and tag of the vehicle in addition to the most current location of the tracking device. A patrol officer will then respond to your location. Once a vehicle owner has made contact with a police officer, provide them with the newly updated location of the tracking device and allow them access to be able to track the device in real time, the police department advised.