Aurora police to receive steering wheel locks from Hyundai, will disperse them to help curb auto thefts
Aurora police to receive steering wheel lock donation to help curb auto thefts
One suburban Chicago police department is ramping up its efforts to curb a new fast-paced crime involving teens who steal cars for dangerous joyrides, before ditching them. Officer James Leonardi of the Aurora Police Department talks more about it.
AURORA, Ill. - The city of Aurora is warning Hyundai drivers about an increase in vehicle thefts.
The vehicles are being targeted because thieves have found a way to bypass security features to steal them.
To assist, Hyundai is providing free steering wheel locks to local police departments. Aurora will receive 108 to distribute to residents.
SUBSCRIBE TO FOX 32 CHICAGO ON YOUTUBE
Officer James Leonardi with the Aurora Police Department said they will be making an announcement on social media in the coming weeks on how residents can sign up to receive the wheel locks.
In the meantime, there are steps you can take to protect your vehicle.
"Really just making sure that you lock your car before you go inside for the night. So many of these thieves, they're not gonna break into a car, they're gonna take what's easy. They're gonna unlock a car and get access, and that's how they're gonna essentially take your car to commit a potentially violent act. And also, park in well lit areas," said Officer James Leonardi with the Aurora Police Department.
"If you don't have a Ring doorbell … I would get a Ring doorbell so that your doorbell captures your vehicle in the front driveway," he added.
Hyundai model years 2015 to 2021 are impacted.
The carmaker admitted to the security issue and said it fixed it in their newest models.