Bridgeport police distribute 120 wheel locks to Kia and Hyundai owners in response to TikTok trend
Police say they are giving away the wheel locks, which they got at no cost from manufacturers, as a free program to address a theft crisis.
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The Bridgeport Police Department is handing out wheel locks for the city's Kia and Hyundai owners following a spike in car theft blamed on a TikTok trend.
The Bridgeport Police Community Services Division is handing out 120 wheel locks on Sylvan Avenue in the North End of the city.
Officials say there has been a recent rise in the theft rate of 2017-2021 Hyundai models. These vehicles are targeted due to a missing security feature called an immobilizer, which basically tells the vehicle that a key is being used instead of a tool.
A viral TikTok tutorial has served as the basis for the upticks in thefts, averaging about three to five vehicles stolen a day.
Police say they are giving away the wheel locks, which they got at no cost from manufacturers, as a free program to address a theft crisis.
Hyundai owners are asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Community Services Division at 203-576-8278 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The vehicle owner will need to provide a valid Bridgeport vehicle registration of the Hyundai/Kia to receive the lock.
Once the current stock of wheel locks is depleted, Bridgeport police will arrange for more to be delivered.
Distribution of the 120 in stock will be first come, first served. Others will be placed on a waiting list until future stock arrives.
