CMPD to hold second steering wheel lock giveaway to prevent Kia, Hyundai thefts

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will be giving away more steering wheel locks to owners of Hyundais and Kias on Saturday in a second giveaway event.

There has been a spike in car thefts due to a TikTok challenge that shows people how to carjack vehicles and police are encouraging people to protect their property. CMPD said last week that Kia and Hyunadi break-ins were up 1800% compared to this time last year.

It happened to Morgan Wells of Mallard Creek.

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“I think maybe if a thief goes and sees that there’s a steering wheel lock, it would probably take them a little bit longer of time to actually steal the cars,” Wells said.

The giveaway will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Walmart parking lot off of Wilkinson Boulevard.

Mark your calendars! In response to the huge community turnout last month, the @CMPD is hosting its 3rd FREE Hyundai & Kia Steering Wheel Lock Giveaway Event on Saturday, April 29 from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. in the Walmart Supercenter parking lot at 3200 Wilkinson Blvd. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/ohepqwqw0T
— CMPD News (@CMPD) April 26, 2023

There are a few requirements to get one of the locks:

You have to live in Mecklenburg County.
You have to drive in a 2011 to 2021 Hyunadi or Kia with a start ignition.
You can’t have a push start.

CMPD plans to give away 1,000 locks and encourages people to show up early. The department held a similar event last month and ran out of 100 locks in just 10 minutes.

(WATCH BELOW: CMPD: Kia, Hyundai thefts up 1,800%; violent crime trends down)