Philadelphia police hold steering wheel lock giveaway for Kia, Hyundai owners

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are offering a freebie that can act as a line of defense against thieves targeting Kias and Hyundais.

On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Police Department will give away vehicle locks to Kia and Hyundai owners.

SEE ALSO: Upper Darby mother voices concern with Kia software upgrade after car was stolen, impaired

The locks will be available at all 21 districts starting at 7 a.m. and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

"My car got broken into. they bust my window out, and a neighbor was able to startle them so they ran off. Two days ago, my daughter's car got broken into," said Traci Washington of West Oak Lane, who heard about the giveaway from the officers who came to take the report.

To get a lock you must be a city resident, and show current registration for the vehicle and a photo ID.

SEE ALSO: TikTok challenge sparks surge in car thefts across Philadelphia region, police say

"Obviously there was a nationwide problem with stolen Kias and Hyundais, a TikTok challenge that unfortunately a lot of young folks are involved in," said Chief Inspector Walter Smith, who leads the department's Community Relations Bureau.

Smith said Philadelphia police reached out to the car manufacturers and they donated roughly 100 locks to each of the city's districts.

Other departments are doing similar giveaways for eligible car owners.

Wilmington police is holding another giveaway on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the parking lot of the Police Athletic League of Wilmington at 3707 North Market Street. You must be a resident of the City of Wilmington and arrive in a vehicle affected by this trend. Vehicles must be a 2011 to 2021 Hyundai or Kia model with a key start ignition, which has not received the anti-theft software upgrade from the manufacturer.

The Upper Southampton Township Police Department is also providing steering wheel locks for owners of a 2011-2022 Hyundai or a 2015-2021 Kia vehicle. Go to Police Headquarters at 939 Street Road between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. You will need to provide proof of ownership.

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