MCSO providing steering wheel locks for Hyundai owners after recent thefts

FILE- In this May 19, 2019, file photo a line of unsold 2019 sedans sits at a Hyundai dealership in Littleton, Colo. More Americans are falling behind on their car…

FILE- In this May 19, 2019, file photo a line of unsold 2019 sedans sits at a Hyundai dealership in Littleton, Colo. More Americans are falling behind on their car payments. If you’re one of them, you have options. Here’s how to get back on track: Know your budget, see how you can rework your car payment, then call your lender. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

by: George Gandy

Posted: Jan 30, 2023 / 01:34 PM EST

Updated: Jan 31, 2023 / 10:11 AM EST

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Approximately 400 Hyundai and Kia vehicles were stolen in Monroe County, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. This is due to a technique shared via social media on how people can steal these vehicles.

In an effort to protect people’s vehicles after a recent spike in car thefts, Hyundai donated steering wheel locks to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to provide to local Hyundai owners for free.

In order to get a steering wheel lock for your Hyundai vehicle, simply make an appointment at any one of MCSO’s three zone substations, bring your car and driver’s license with you to the appointment, and sign a form.

According to MCSO, Kia will donate steering wheel locks to the sheriff’s office for local Kia owners as well. MCSO will announce when those are available.

Law enforcement is urging car owners — especially Hyundai and Kia owners — to take further precautions, such as locking your car, making sure the car is not running, not leaving your keys in the car, and parking your vehicle in a well-lit area.