Maryland State Police to give away steering wheel locks to some Kia, Hyundai owners

This weekend, Maryland State Police will likely be providing steering wheel locks to owners of Hyundai and Kia automobiles that use a bodily key so as to begin.

The free locks will likely be out there at 14 state police barracks round Maryland, together with in Rockville, College Park, Forestville and La Plata.

“It’s first-come, first-served, and also you don’t want to register. Just present up at a type of 14 state police barracks between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday and we are going to present one wheel lock per proprietor,” Elena Russo, a spokesperson with Maryland State Police, advised WTOP.

Owners of some Hyundai and Kia fashions discovered themselves focused by automobile thieves after social media posts round 2021 demonstrated how the automobiles may very well be stolen utilizing a screwdriver and USB cable.

While each firms developed software program to remedy the vulnerability, steering wheel locks have been made out there to owners of the most-targeted fashions.

“A automobile theft happens in Maryland each 47 minutes. That is rather a lot,” Russo stated.

But she additionally identified that fifty% of automobiles which can be stolen “are stolen as a result of the proprietor has left the important thing inside,” including 60% of stolen automobiles have been unlocked once they have been taken.

Russo stated the steering wheel locks “can work as a visual deterrent,” however added it doesn’t matter what type of automobile you personal, stopping automobile theft might be so simple as “locking your automobile, taking your keys or key fobs with you, hiding your valuables.”

Visit the MSP web site for extra data.

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