Amid a troubling rise of Hyundai and Kia vehicle thefts both in the Chicago area and nationwide due to videos on social media, Lincolnwood police are offering a potential solution for residents.
Hyundai owners who are residents can go to the police department at 6700 N. Lincoln Avenue to receive a free steering wheel lock.
“It is a preventative measure for these vehicles that have the ability to have their system overridden and stolen,” Lincolnwood Police Chief Jay Parrott said. “We don’t have a high volume of thefts but we are trying to do this as a preventative measure.”
Lincolnwood is one of a series of communities across the nation that are passing out the Hyundai steering wheel locks via a company initiative.
“While all of our vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, unfortunately, our vehicles have been targeted in a coordinated effort on social media,” Hyundai spokesman Ira Gabriel wrote in an e-mail. “Criminals are targeting our vehicles without engine immobilizers. Immobilizers became standard on all vehicles produced after November 1, 2021.”
Gabriel added that a new security kit will be available for purchase and installation starting Oct. 1 at Hyundai dealerships and Compustar authorized installers.
In Lincolnwood, residents can bring a registration card for a Hyundai with model years from 2015-2021 along with a proof of purchase for a 2022 vehicle sticker to the police station during the hours of 7:00 am to 5:00 pm., according to its website.
Residents can obtain one lock per household.
Parrott said the police would ask for more locks once the current supply runs out.
There is a similar problem with Kias, and Parrott said he hopes a similar program will start with that company soon.
Overall in Lincolnwood, Parrott said there have been less than 10 thefts of Kias and Hyundais over the past year, but he remains troubled due to the defect.
“I’m not aware of any other manufacturer that has this flaw in the system so yes, it is concerning that this can be done and a vehicle can be stolen,” he said.
This is a problem communities in the area have seen, according to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
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In August, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to residents noting a 767% increase in thefts of Kias and Hyundais.
“This is an extremely concerning trend and the public needs to know so they can be vigilant in protecting themselves,” Sheriff Tom Dart said. “The Sheriff’s Office will continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies and engage automakers to reduce dangerous car thefts and carjackings in Cook County.”