Car owners of Hyundai and Kia models in Maryland are being offered a valuable opportunity to enhance their vehicle security. The Maryland State Police, in collaboration with the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, is providing free Steering Wheel Locks this weekend to residents who own specific Hyundai and Kia vehicles. This initiative comes as a proactive response to rising concerns about vehicle thefts targeting these particular makes.
This program is specifically for Maryland residents who own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle that is started with a physical key. Owners can receive a complimentary steering wheel lock by visiting the lobby of one of the 14 designated Maryland State Police Barracks. To claim your free device, simply bring your driver’s license and vehicle registration to any of the listed barracks between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2nd, and Sunday, March 3rd, 2024. It’s important to note that only one steering wheel lock will be provided per vehicle owner, and the offer is valid while supplies last. For detailed addresses and contact information for each barrack, please visit mdsp.maryland.gov.
The participating Maryland State Police Barracks are:
- 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
Chris McDonold, Executive Director of the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, “Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity. Taking proactive steps to prevent vehicle theft is critical to safeguarding your personal property.” His words highlight the simple yet effective nature of using steering wheel locks as a deterrent.
Vehicle theft remains a significant concern for Maryland residents. Statistics show that a vehicle is stolen in Maryland approximately every 47 minutes. These thefts frequently occur in residential areas during the late evening and early morning, or in commercial zones during midday. Alarmingly, in about half of vehicle thefts, the keys were left inside the car, and a staggering 60% of stolen vehicles were left unlocked. These figures underscore the necessity for car owners to adopt basic crime prevention measures.
To protect your vehicles from theft, remember to consistently:
- Lock your Car: Always ensure your vehicle is locked, even for short stops.
- Take your Keys or Key Fobs: Never leave your keys in the car, and keep key fobs away from doors and windows at home.
- Hide your Valuables: Keep valuables out of sight to avoid attracting thieves.
- Use an Anti-theft Device: Employ devices like steering wheel locks for an added layer of security.
The Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, established in 1994 by the Maryland General Assembly, is dedicated to combating vehicle theft through public awareness campaigns, addressing juvenile vehicle theft, and supporting law enforcement and prosecution efforts through grant programs. This free steering wheel lock distribution is a direct action stemming from their commitment to vehicle theft prevention in Maryland.
