SPD giving out steering wheel locks donated by Kia, Hyundai

The Springfield Police Department is giving out free steering wheel locks to residents with a donation of the devices from Kia and Hyundai.

The devices issued to the SPD are available for free to Springfield residents in an attempt to curb thefts and vandalism, according to a news release. Vulnerabilities exposed on sites such as TikTok have driven a recent increase in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, according to reporting by Fox Business.

SPD Public Affairs Officer Cris Swaters said the department received a donation of 700 steering wheel locks from Kia and 240 from Hyundai. She was unsure of the value of the donated products.

Qualifying Kia vehicles are:
• 2011-2021 Forte.
• 2021-2022 K5.
• 2011-2020 Optima.
• 2011-2021 Rio.
• 2011-2021 Sedona.
• 2021-2022 Seltos.
• 2010-2022 Soul.
• 2011-2022 Sorento.
• 2011-2022 Sportage.

Qualifying Hyundai vehicles are:
• 2011-2022 Accent.
• 2011-2022 Elantra.
• 2013-2017 Elantra GT.
• 2013-2014 Elantra Coupe.
• 2011-2012 Elantra Touring.
• 2011-2014 Genesis Coupe.
• 2018-2022 Kona.
• 2020-2021 Palisade.
• 2011-2012, 2019-2022 Santa Fe.
• 2013-2018, 2019 Santa Fe; Santa Fe XL.
• 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport.
• 2011-2019 Sonata.
• 2011-2022 Tucson.
• 2012-2017, 2019-2021 Veloster.
• 2020-2021 Venue.
• 2011-2012 Veracruz.

Qualifying residents can pick up the steering wheel locks at the SPD, 321 E. Chestnut Expressway, according to the release.