Tukwila Police announced this week that they will are issuing free steering wheel locks to Tukwila residents who drive Hyundai and KIA cars.

This is in response to the increasing car thefts targeting Hyundai and KIA vehicles without push-button ignitions.

KIA and Hyundai are providing free steering wheel locks, as available, to select law enforcement agencies across the country for distribution to residents who own or lease KIA and Hyundai vehicles.

Here is how you obtain your free lock:

    • You must be a Tukwila resident.
    • You will need a Hyundai or KIA vehicle registration
    • Bring your driver’s license.

Only one lock will be issued per resident. Please come down to the Justice Center at 15005 Tukwila International Blvd between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., any day of the week. Tukwila PD records staff will ask for your registration and driver’s license, then issue you a free steering wheel lock.

In addition to steering wheel locks, other methods to deter vehicle theft include installing a security system for your car, so an alarm sounds before a thief enters the vehicle. Installing a kill switch that can be found in automotive parts and accessories.

Hyundai has launched a free anti-theft software upgrade that prevents certain Hyundai vehicles from starting during a method of theft recently popularized on TikTok and other social media channels (https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/3768).

KIA has completed the development of enhanced security software to restrict the unauthorized operation of vehicle ignition systems on specific models not equipped with an immobilizer. Kia has already started notifying owners about this free software upgrade and anticipates making it available to most affected vehicle owners over the next few months.

“If you own a KIA or Hyundai, you can also contact the dealership where you purchased or leased the vehicle to see if they offer free locks or other security options,” police said. “We hope this effort impacts our community, as everyone relies on their vehicles for their day-to-day life.”