Free Steering Wheel Lock For Hyundai, Kia: Here's Where To Get One

MARYLAND — Free steering wheel locks will be given to Hyundai and Kia owners in Maryland this weekend as a theft deterrent, thanks to the Maryland State Police and the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.

If you are a Maryland resident and own a Hyundai or a Kia that uses a physical key to start, bring your license and registration to the lobby of one of 14 Maryland State Police Barracks and receive one free steering wheel lock. Locks will be available for pickup at each of the barracks listed below from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on March 2 and March 3.

One-wheel lock will be provided per vehicle owner while supplies last at these sites:

• Bel Air Barrack
• North East Barrack
• JFK Highway Barrack
• Rockville Barrack
• Forestville Barrack
• College Park Barrack
• Golden Ring Barrack
• Westminster Barrack
• Waterloo Barrack
• Glen Burnie Barrack
• Leonardtown Barrack
• Prince Frederick Barrack
• La Plata Barrack
• Annapolis Barrack

Visit mdsp.maryland.gov for barrack addresses and contact information.

An increase in thefts of those two vehicles can be partially attributed to a TikTok challenge, which showed how to start the unprotected models using a USB charger. Officials have said Hyundai and Kia chose not to include anti-theft devices that were a standard feature in most new cars manufactured between 2011 and 2022.

“Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity,” said Chris McDonold, Executive Director of the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council in a news release. “Taking proactive steps to prevent vehicle theft is critical to safeguarding your personal property.”

A vehicle theft occurs, on average, every 47 minutes in Maryland, authorities said. In most cases, thefts occur either in residential areas in the late evening and early morning hours, or in commercial areas at midday. In about 50 percent of the vehicles stolen, keys were left inside and 60 percent of the vehicles stolen were not locked.

Drivers should remember to:

• Lock your car
• Take your keys or key fobs
• Hide your valuables
• Use an anti-theft device