HoCo Police Offering Free Steering Wheel Locks Saturday To Prevent Vehicle Thefts

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Residents who own a 2016-2021 Hyundai or a 2011-2021 Kia without a key fob or proximity key are encouraged to pick up a free steering wheel lock from the Howard County Police Department.

The steering wheel locks will be available Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lobby of the northern or southern district stations while supplies last. The wheel locks were purchased by the police department with the help of a grant from the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.

Teens across the country have been taking part in a challenge issued on the social media app TikTok to steal Kias and Hyundais using a USB cord. Numerous arrests of teens and young adults have been logged by police departments across Howard County, Prince George's County and the country.

Police departments advise residents to remove charger cords from their vehicles or at least hide them, and to use a brake pedal club, alarm or other theft prevention device to help halt the theft of vehicles.

The Northern District Police Station is located at 3410 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, while the Southern District Police Station can be found at 11226 Scaggsville Road, Laurel.