MEDINA, Ohio — Medina police are providing free steering wheel locks to Hyundai vehicle owners in an effort to prevent people from stealing them.
The department says it has about 50 of the locks available. Those living in either Medina or Lafayette Township are eligible to receive one, and they will be given out on a first come, first served basis.
The development comes as car thieves have been exploiting an apparent hack that makes both Hyundais and Kias more vulnerable to being taken. In Cuyahoga County alone, authorities say more than 800 such vehicles have been stolen over the last two months.
"All Hyundai vehicles meet or exceed Federal motor vehicle safety standards," the company said in a statement provided by the city of Medina. "Some earlier models, without a push-button ignition, do not have engine immobilizers. After November 1, 2021, engine immobilizers became standard on all Hyundai vehicles produced."
Those wishing to obtain the locks can visit the Medina Police Department's headquarters on West Friendship Street. Officials say they are also expecting a shipment of locks from Kia and will alert residents when those are available.
Medina is not the only Northeast Ohio community opting to hand out locks to Hyundai owners, with Lakewood and Westlake among those recently announcing similar initiatives.