anti-theft car steering wheel lock

Public Safety offers free steering wheel locks for certain vehicles, courtesy of Hyundai

As of Jan. 4, the Division of Public Safety is out of free wheel locks; The Daily will provide updates when additional locks are available.

After social media posts this fall publicized methods to steal certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles, Case Western Reserve University Division of Public Safety has worked with Hyundai Motor America to obtain a limited supply of free steering wheel locks for vehicles. Any student, faculty or staff member looking to receive a free lock, especially those with Hyundai models, can pick them up at CWRU police headquarters (1689 E. 115th St.) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Case Western Reserve University police and other neighboring police departments have seen a marked increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers—in particular, Hyundais built from 2013 to 2021 and Kias built between 2011 and 2021 featuring traditional key engines.

Individuals with these models should take extra precautions, including obtaining locks from the CWRU Division of Public Safety or their local car dealership.

Case Western Reserve University Division of Public Safety thanks Hyundai for their commitment to keeping our community safe.