Free Wheel Locks For Abington Hyundai, Kia Drivers Amid Theft Trend

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Amid a trend of Kia and Hyundai thefts in the region, Abington Township Police are offering residents tools to keep their vehicles protected.

Residents can get free wheel locks thanks to township police.

Those who own a Hyundai manufactured between 2011 and 2021 and/or a Kia between 2011 and 2021 that do not have a proximity key entry or a push-button start are eligible for one free wheel lock per vehicle.

Residents only need to complete this form to get their free locks.

Once the form is completed, locks can be picked up at Abington Township Police Department with a valid registration and state-issued ID showing Abington Township residency.

The Abington Police Department is located at 1166 Old York Road in Abington.

The trend stems from TikTok videos instructing criminals on exactly how to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

This has led to a massive increase in thefts.

Thefts have been on the rise for months and police have been warning residents since last summer.

In the city of Philadelphia, 389 Kias and Hyundais were stolen in 2019. In 2022, a total of 2,600 were, according to an Inquirer review of Philadelphia Police Department data.

Over the past several months, thieves have posted videos demonstrating that by inserting a USB cable into a broken steering column, they can hot-wire an engine. In the past, thieves have used a screwdriver to hot-wire an engine.

Officials say the videos are exploiting a manufacturing defect that allows them to easily be hot-wired with a USB phone charger cord, The Washington Post reported.