Two local police agencies are offering free steering wheel locks to Hyundai owners in an effort to combat a recent TikTok trend that has seen a significant rise in thefts of older model vehicles.
The Altamonte Springs Police Department and Sanford Police Department are offering free steering wheel locks to owners of Hyundai vehicles with key ignitions that were manufactured between 2005 to 2021.
On Saturday, June 24, Altamonte Springs police will distribute locks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the COP Center in the Altamonte Mall, which is located at 451 E Altamonte Drive.
In partnership with Hyundai and AAA, the Sanford Police Department is offering free locks that may be picked up at the Public Safety Building, which is located at 815 Historic Goldsboro Boulevard in Sanford.
At risk vehicle owners who have already purchased a steering wheel lock may qualify through Hyundai for reimbursement funding.
The locks come in light of a recent TikTok trend that has popularized thefts of Hyundai and KIA vehicles without push-button ignitions. Law enforcement officers across the nation, and in multiple local jurisdictions, have reported a significant increase in these types of vehicle thefts.
In addition to the free steering wheel locks, police are encouraging the public to visit a local Hyundai or KIA dealership in order to have a new, anti-theft software installed for free.
For more information on that software, or to make an appointment to visit a local dealership, visit the Hyundai Anti-Theft Software Upgrade website.
If you have any information regarding the recent theft of a vehicle, contact the Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-8477.