Bellevue Police created this postcard to educate owners of KIA and Hyundai vehicles about manufacturer recalls
With motor vehicle thefts happening at an alarming rate across the country and in King County, the Bellevue Police Department is creating a specialized motor vehicle theft initiative specifically targeted to this problem.
In 2023, Bellevue experienced a 47 percent increase year-over-year in reported theft of motor vehicles. This increase was primarily driven by a staggering increase in the thefts of two specific makes of cars – KIA and Hyundai. While Bellevue Police have been working with owners of these vehicles to prevent theft, it’s clear that more needs to be done.
Beginning this week, Bellevue Police crime prevention analysts will begin constantly monitoring case information and gathering intelligence on auto theft within the city. This information will then be used by police to identify problem offenders and pinpoint high-risk areas geographically through data collection.
“We need to tackle this from all angles,” said Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley. “Thieves are hopping from city to city, stealing vehicles in a matter of seconds and then using them to conduct additional crimes around our region.”
"Our Detectives will investigate and arrest those responsible, regardless of where they reside,” Chief Shirley said. “But, we also need to partner with our residents and educate them on ways to help prevent thefts in the first place. By leveraging relationships between the Bellevue Police, the prosecutor’s office, and the community, together we will send a strong message: If you come to Bellevue to steal cars, you will be caught and held accountable.”
The task force is just one of the ways Bellevue Police have worked to reduce this type of crime in the community. Police have given away over 400 free steering wheel locks to vehicle owners, and have developed a postcard that provides information to owners of KIA and Hyundai vehicles about manufacturer recalls.
