The College Park Police Department has announced it will provide free steering wheel locks to College Park residents to help Kia and Hyundai owners better protect their vehicles. The giveaway applies to College Park residents who own a Hyundai model manufactured between 2016 and 2021 or a Kia model manufactured between 2011 and 2021.
The department will host its first event to hand out the free steering wheel locks on June 2, 2023.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the College Park Police Department, located at 3717 College St., College Park, GA, in the front parking lot. Supplies are limited to only one steering wheel lock per vehicle. Proof of College Park residency and vehicle registration will be required.
Chief Connie Rogers said this event will help curb car thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, which started to rise after the viral TikTok "Kia challenge." Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been easily targeted because they use a mechanical key to start rather than a key fob and push-button. The Police Department has seen an increase in motor vehicle thefts compared to the same time last year, and many of the stolen vehicles have been manufactured by Kia and Hyundai. The College Park Police Department and Kia Corporate are teaming up to provide the free steering wheel lock devices.
The City of College Park recommends Kia and Hyundai owners take extra security measures such as a steering wheel lock device or an engine immobilizer. Kia and Hyundai owners can also contact the manufacturer to learn about additional safeguards, such as a recent software update for some of the targeted models.
Lastly, Chief Rogers asks community members to call 911 if they see anyone attempting to break into a car or trying door handles.