February 28th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Maryland State Police, in partnership with the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, are providing free steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia owners in Maryland between March 2 and March 3, 2024.

In order to receive the free lock, Maryland residents who own a Hyundai or a Kia that uses a physical key to start should bring their license and registration to the lobby of one of 14 Maryland State Police Barracks and receive it.

MSP shares the steering wheel locks will be available for pickup at each of the barracks listed below from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on March 2 and March 3, 2024.

A one-wheel lock will be provided per vehicle owner while supplies last.

Visit mdsp.maryland.gov for barrack addresses and contact information.

–      Bel Air Barrack

–      North East Barrack

–      JFK Highway Barrack

–      Rockville Barrack

–      Forestville Barrack

–      College Park Barrack

–      Golden Ring Barrack

–      Westminster Barrack

–      Waterloo Barrack

–      Glen Burnie Barrack

–      Leonardtown Barrack

–      Prince Frederick Barrack

–      La Plata Barrack

–      Annapolis Barrack

“Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity,” said Chris McDonold, Executive Director of the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.

McDonold continued, “Taking proactive steps to prevent vehicle theft is critical to safeguarding your personal property.”

According to MSP, a vehicle theft occurs, on average, every 47 minutes in Maryland.

Adding that, in most circumstances, thefts occur either in residential areas in the late evening and early morning hours or in commercial areas during the midday hours.

MSP concluded that in approximately 50% of the vehicles stolen, keys were left inside, and 60% of the vehicles stolen were not locked.

MSP reminds MD drivers to

–       Lock your car

–       Take your keys or key fobs

–       Hide your valuables

–       Use an anti-theft device