The Linden Police Department has partnered with car manufacturers Kia and Hyundai to provide free steering wheel locks to car owners after an incredible surge in thefts involving these vehicles. Nationwide, Police have seen a spike in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles after a social media post showed how to start these cars without a key in as little as 20-30 seconds.
The problem was further magnified after viewers, mostly teenagers, were encouraged to steal Hyundai and Kia vehicles and upload videos of dangerous joyrides and other exploits to social media. Linden has had thirty (30) reported incidents of stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the first six months of this year. Other local law enforcement agencies have also seen an increase in these thefts and have launched similar steering wheel lock giveaways.
The car manufacturers have provided Linden PD with a limited number of steering wheel locks, at no cost, to distribute to residents in an effort to help deter and prevent these thefts. LINDEN RESIDENTS who own an affected model Kia or Hyundai can register for their free steering wheel lock at https://forms.gle/J5sdT7apNcjqmzio8. Residents will be required to provide proof of residency and vehicle ownership.
“This is a very serious problem affecting our community,” said Police Chief David Hart. “The actions of these young men and women are irresponsible and dangerous, and we welcome any effort to help keep our community safe by stopping these thefts.”
Affected vehicles reportedly include:
• 2015-2021 Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Kona, Santa Fe, and Tucson
• 2015-2018 Hyundai Veloster
• 2015-2021 Kia Forte, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Soul, and Sportage
• 2015-2016 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sorento
In April, a group of Attorneys General, from 17 states and the District of Columbia, sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urging for a mandatory recall of certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022.
Engine immobilizers to correct this vulnerability have been standard on all Hyundai and Kia cars since November 2021. Additionally, a free software upgrade to prevent the method of theft involved in the videos is available. Please visit https://hyundaiantitheft.com/ or https://kiatheft.com for more information about affected vehicles. Owners can also contact Hyundai (toll-free at 800-633-5151) or Kia (toll-free at 800-333-4542) directly for more information.
