Free Anti-Theft Devices For Hyundai, Honda, Kia Owners At Newark Event

NEWARK, NJ — Owners of Hyundai, Honda and Kia vehicles will be able to get a free anti-theft device at an upcoming giveaway in Newark.

Advance Auto Parts and Newark Police Department’s 7th Precinct will distribute free steering wheel locks to people who own one of the above types of cars at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 at Liberty State Park (corner of Central Avenue and West Market Street).

Attendees must show proof of ownership of a Hyundai, Honda or Kia, and be a Newark resident. They will receive one steering wheel lock per vehicle, while supplies last, event organizers said.

Earlier this year, Newark city officials announced they were joining a nationwide lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai after a jaw-dropping increase in car thefts of those vehicles. The reason? The two companies intentionally left out an important piece of anti-theft technology in their vehicles from 2011 to 2021, officials alleged.

New Jersey’s largest city has been seeing a steep rise in Kia and Hyundai thefts. From 2022 to 2023, Newark saw a whopping 1,246 percent increase in thefts of those types of cars, which officials say is directly related to the failure to install immobilizers.

• See Related: Newark, Other Cities Sue 2 Major Car Makers Over Vehicle Thefts

In Newark and elsewhere, the surge in Kia and Hyundai thefts also led to a jump in violent offenses like reckless driving and armed robbery, officials allege.

Although violent crime is at a “historic low” in Newark, the city has seen a rise in some types of property crime, such as auto thefts, which rose 98 percent last year.

• Read More: Newark Is Becoming A Safer Place To Live, 2023 Crime Stats Show

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