Free Steering Wheel Locks Offered To Combat Northampton Vehicle Crimes

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —The Northampton Township Police Department has received a few more cases of steering wheel locks after selling out its first batch last month.

The police department teamed up with Kia and Hyundai in February to combat vehicle thefts that have plagued the township over the past few months.

The thefts stem from a viral challenge on TikTok and YouTube has led to an increase in thefts of Kias and Hyundais around the country.

Police are distributing free steering wheel locks to Kia and Hyundai owners who are area residents.

The locks are on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Supplies ran out fast, police said, so more cases were ordered.

Anyone who owns a Kia or Hyundai and would like one should call 215-322-6111 to make arrangements to pick one up at police headquarters. Police said a driver's license and registration must be shown.

Over the past few months, police have reported numerous vehicle thefts and issued warnings and advisories.

Police provided a statement from Kia/Hyundai regarding the initiative.

"In response to increasing thefts targeting our vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices in the United States, Hyundai Motor America has made engine immobilizers standard on all vehicles produced as of November 2021," the car company said.

Hyundai said it has taken measures to deter vehicle thefts, including an upcoming software update scheduled for March at no cost.

In the interim, Hyundai is providing free steering wheel locks to select law enforcement agencies across the country for distribution to local residents who own or lease affected models.