Police to give away steering wheel locks this weekend

Police have handed out 400 steering wheel locks so far this year

As part of an effort to slow a rash of car thefts this year, Bellevue Police are holding another steering wheel lock giveaway this weekend. Residents can pick up the steering wheel locks Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Factoria police substation (next to Nordstrom Rack) or Sunday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Crossroads police substation (next to Planet Fitness). 

Locks will be available while supplies last, limit one lock per person.

Car thefts have been on the rise in Bellevue and across the country in 2023, with thieves taking advantage of a security flaw in certain Hyundai and Kia models. Bellevue Police have received 69 stolen Kia reports this year, a 762% jump over 2022, and 83 stolen Hyundai reports, a 730% increase. Steering wheel locks are an effective deterrent to these thefts.

Bellevue Police strongly urges owners of these vehicles to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of theft by considering the following:

• Have all recall work and software updates performed by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
• Use a steering wheel lock.
• Consider purchasing an alarm system.
• Place a tracking device, such as an AirTag, in your vehicle to aid in recovery.