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PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Philadelphia police are distributing Kia and Hyundai wheel locks in the city.
“All of our are Kia,” said Deborah Brady of South Philadelphia. “My daughter, my grandson, ours. We’re all a Kia. “
He hopes that the blocking of the freewheels by the police will make him less of a target for thieves.
“At least dissuade him. You can’t stop a thief, but you can stop him,” he said.
This is Operation Wheel Lock, which begins on Wednesday.
“What we’re doing is providing locks to Kia and Hyundai homeowners to counter the recent increase in car thefts that we have in the city,” said Capt. Lawrence Nuble of the 19th District.
Philadelphia police turn them over to Kia and Hyundai owners who own those vehicles, 2012-2022 years. Police say those cars are targeted by thieves because a key can be stolen.
“It’s a TikTok challenge involving Kias and Hyundais, where criminals used a car charger to start the vehicle,” Ñuble said.
Philadelphia police knowledge shows an increase in robberies from 2021 and a large increase from 2021 to 2023.
In total in 2023, Kias and Hyundai accounted for 61% of all thefts in the city.
So this year that figure has dropped to 37%.
Police say those items alone provide a physical deterrent, but the visual can make a would-be thief look away.
“They’re blocking the wheel. Similar to the club that existed in the early 80s. We hope this can curb car thieves and act as a deterrent,” Ñuble said. “When walking down the street, car thieves will see this device and just walk past that vehicle. “
Car owners will need to present a driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance to get their locks. You will need to be a resident of Philadelphia.
Officials say locks should be available 24/7 while supplies last.
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