The Newcastle Police Department is assisting Hyundai and Kia in distributing steering wheel locks for owners with vehicle models 2021 and older with key ignition. They have a limited supply, so they are only serving Newcastle residents.
Free steering wheel locks are available at Newcastle City Hall as supplies last for Hyundai and Kia owners by providing the following information:
- Proof of ownership of a Hyundai or Kia, models year 2021 and older for Hyundai and years 2011-2021 for Kia, with key ignition.
Your vehicle registration provides this proof.
- Proof that you are a Newcastle resident.
Your driver's license, state-issued ID card, or utility bill provide this proof.
Please email Katie Adamson at [email protected] to reserve your steering wheel lock. One per owner. No walk-ins.
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Hyundai Media Statement (2/6/2023):
In response to increasing thefts targeting our vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices in the United States, Hyundai Motor America has made engine immobilizers standard on all vehicles produced as of November 2021.
Additionally, Hyundai has taken a series of actions to deter thefts of affected vehicles, including an upcoming software upgrade to prevent the mode of theft popularized on social media. This software upgrade will be available in the very near future and will be provided at no cost to customers. We will soon be providing more details regarding the timing and vehicles eligible for this software upgrade.
In the interim, Hyundai is also providing free steering wheel locks, as available, to select law enforcement agencies across the country for distribution to local residents who own, or lease affected models. We apologize for the inconvenience to affected customers. Owners may also bring their vehicles to a local Hyundai dealer for the purchase and installation of a customized security kit.
Hyundai is committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of all our products through continuous improvement. Hyundai quality is among the best in the industry, ranking third among all brands in the 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and historically above the industry average in J.D. Power’s U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).