After a steady increase of break-ins and thefts of Kia and Hyundais throughout Gaston County, Gastonia Police have just announced plans to give out free steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia owners.
The thefts have been increasing nationwide after a viral TikTok trend that challenges teens to steal 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles using a USB cord.
Steering wheel locks will be given out by Gastonia Police at the following places:
- Aug. 8, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Walmart Neighborhood Market, 2324 South New Hope Road
- Aug. 10, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Food Lion, 3011 Union Road
- Aug. 15, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Food Lion, 1024 W. Hudson Boulevard
To receive a free steering wheel lock, you must present a government ID and your vehicle registration for one of the qualifying models:
Hyundai Models:
- Accent (2018-22)
- Elantra (2011-22)
- Elantra GT (2013-20)
- Kona (2018-22)
- Santa Fe (2013-22)
- Santa Fe Sport (2013-18)
- Santa Fe XL (2019)
- Sonata (2011-19)
- Tucson (2011-22)
- Veloster (2012-17, 2019-21)
- Venue (2020-21)
- Genesis Coupe (2013-14)
- Palisade (2020-21)
Kia Models:
- Sorento (2011-16)
- Soul (2015-21)
- Sportage (2011-21)
- Seltos (2021-22)
- Forte (2011-21)
- Optima (2011-21)
- Rio (2012-21)
- Sedona (2011-21)