(Pikesville, MD) – In a significant move to curb vehicle theft, Maryland State Police, in collaboration with the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, announced a program offering free steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia owners across the state. This initiative, set for the upcoming weekend, aims to address the rising concern over vehicle security for models operated with physical keys.
Eligible Maryland residents owning Hyundai and Kia vehicles that require a physical key for operation can avail themselves of this offer by presenting their driver’s license and vehicle registration at any of the 14 designated Maryland State Police Barracks. The giveaway is scheduled for March 2 and March 3, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with one steering wheel lock provided per vehicle owner, subject to availability. Vehicle owners are encouraged to visit the official website at mdsp.maryland.gov for detailed information on barrack locations and contact details.
The participating barracks include locations across Maryland, from Bel Air, North East, JFK Highway, to Annapolis, ensuring wide accessibility for residents. This preventive measure directly responds to the alarming vehicle theft rates in the state, where incidents occur roughly every 47 minutes, primarily in residential and commercial areas during vulnerable hours.
Chris McDonold, Executive Director of the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, emphasized the importance of proactive steps in vehicle security. “Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity,” McDonold stated, highlighting the critical need for owners to safeguard their property through vigilance and the use of anti-theft devices.
In light of statistics revealing that 50% of stolen vehicles had keys left inside and 60% were unlocked at the time of theft, Maryland authorities are urging citizens to adopt more stringent security measures. These include locking vehicles, taking keys or key fobs, hiding valuables, and utilizing anti-theft devices to deter potential thefts.
The Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1994, has been at the forefront of combating vehicle theft through a comprehensive strategy. This strategy encompasses public awareness, addressing juvenile vehicle theft, enhancing law enforcement, and supporting prosecution efforts through grant awards.
This weekend’s steering wheel lock giveaway represents a tangible step towards reducing vehicle theft incidents, encouraging residents to take essential precautions to protect their vehicles. As the state continues to confront this issue, the collaboration between the Maryland State Police and the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council is a model for proactive community safety initiatives.
