Posted on 10/22/2022 3:06:25 PM PDT by george76
Police have partnered with Hyundai USA to provide free steering wheel locks after a colossal increase in car thefts in Calverton Park, Missouri, multiple outlets reported Thursday.
Local authorities teamed up with the car company in hopes of curbing the substantial increase in the number of stolen Hyundais and Kias in the area, according to Fox2. Thieves have reportedly taken 142 Hyundais and 145 Kias in September, up from the two Hyundai and seven Kia vehicles stolen in the same month of 2021. The two car brands are allegedly sought out by thieves since they do not use smart key technology, apparently making them easier to swipe, the outlet noted.
“Well, unfortunately, it has become quite easy to steal a Kia or Hyundai,” Lt. Sean Gibbons told the outlet. “We have to combat that any way we can.
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Law enforcement said that the locks are free to residents who do not have engine immobilizers
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A similar program has been introduced at the Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the school’s University Police Department announced Thursday. Students and faculty who drive a Hyundai or a Kia can receive a steering wheel lock for free from the department.
Old Frank and Ernest newspaper cartoon. The two guys were watching a squad car go past them.
“They say we’re now in the highest crime area of the city.”
Car has sign on side: “Officers Carry No More Than $20 In Cash.”
It would be nice if the article pointed out that both makes now use smart keys so the targeted cars are older model years.
I have always thought it was funny that it’s nearly impossible to educate most young people but they all suddenly learn which cars are easiest to steal.
I mentioned the new invention once of a device that could cut off someone else’s cell phone in public. Every single student I mentioned it to said “I heard that is illegal.” THAT they learned.
But over 40% could not answer correctly which was first and second, the American Civil War (1st one) and World War II.
Most thought WWII was first. Make great criminals, though.
Car thefts in, ‘The People’s Republic of Milwaukeestan’ are through the roof.
Over 3,500!
Read up on the ‘Kia Boys’ here:
https://www.maciverinstitute.com/2022/06/inside-milwaukees-car-theft-crisis/
Can thieves break steering locks?
The locks on them aren’t the most sophisticated. If the thief can’t remove the lock itself – either by drilling or by using bolt cutters – they can simply cut the portion of the steering wheel that is in the way of taking the lock off. In short, yes, wheel locks can be broken.
ExpertReviews.com
and
Can the Club steering wheel lock be defeated?
It is widely known that the Club and similar locks can be defeated by cutting the steering wheel, which under federal safety regulations must be made of soft, flexible steel that is easily penetrated by a hacksaw blade. (LA Times.com
I have the ultimate theft protection device for todays generation…
A clutch pedal
A childhood friend of mine got himself cheap transportation, a rusty old Renault Le Car. To dissuade car thieves in Hartford, he simply removed the steering wheel and put it in the trunk.
A hungry Rottweiler!
I used to drive one of those, except there were only 5 speeds plus reverse.
When I scanned the headline I thought. Wow their giving away towne cars? Then it registered
Bwahahahaha
Shows how dumb they are. Name yourself after a good commute car that is a gutless wonder
Years ago they had a true police program about decoy cars. The police left several cars sitting around with cameras, auto door locks and remote kill switches. After the thief stole the car, with a camera rolling, they would kill the engine and lock the doors. Police would the swarm the car and arrest the driver.
Had a car sitting at a friend’s business in a small town of 900. Some dumbass tried to steal it. It was sitting there cuz it broke down it was clearly broken down. Not only was the battery dead it had a smart key so they wouldn’t have been able to get it started anyways. They did $2,000 worth of damage to the dashboard and the insurance company totaled it and paid me and I don’t even have to fix it or tow it away.
LOL!
Do you know how to start an old Cat D6 dozer with the pony engine starter?
I know that these younger punks havent a clue.
Add Westlake, Ohio to that list. They gave them away a few weeks ago. It is due to the TikTok craze and how easy the cars are to actually steal.
Steering wheel lock weaknesses were known since before there was an internet to discuss the topic. It has always been about adding a visible deterrent that makes the thieves choose someone else’s car.
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