More than 114,000 Kias and Hyundais were stolen nationwide last year, an increase of 95% from 2021. Thefts are up in the Triangle as well.
Law enforcement agencies attribute the jump to a TikTok challenge that shows how certain models can be easily hot wried using just a USB cord. As the video goes viral, the carmakers are scrambling to update software.
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Some local police departments are offering a hardware fix: free steering wheel locks. The device disables any vehicle's steering wheel by locking it in place.
Fran Lawless, driver of a 2015 Kia Forte, picked up her steering wheel lock at the Fuquay-Varina Police Department on Tuesday morning.
She made a short trip to avoid a much larger expense – the threat of a car theft.
"Especially if you have to replace it if it's not recovered, or if it's recovered damaged and you have to replace it, that's, you know, starting car payments all over again, and it is a hardship for folks," she said.
Fuquay-Varina Police Chief Brandon Medina said his department asked Kia to provide the steering wheel locks, and they delivered.
"We asked for 20 originally because we had such a low number of vehicles that were stolen or broken into and they sent us 120 vehicle locks," he said.
The department has distributed 40 steering wheel locks in just two days.
Medina suggested drivers consider other theft-prevention measures as well. He said, "Park in well-lit areas, communicate with your neighbors, report suspicious activity near your vehicle."
Fuquay-Varina residents can receive a free steering wheel lock while supplies last by stopping by the Fuquay-Varina Police Department located at 401 Old Honeycutt Road. They must show vehicle registration to verify they own a Kia or Hyundai.
Chapel Hill residents can get a free wheel lock from the Chapel Hill Police Department, 828 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Chapel Hill, any time Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.