Olympia police are offering free wheel locks to eligible Hyundai vehicle owners to combat a nationwide trend of car thefts affecting certain models.
Thieves have reportedly been targeting Hyundai models from 2010 to 2021 using USB cables. The exploit gained popularity on social media over the summer, prompting alarm among vehicle owners and law enforcement.
To obtain a wheel lock, drivers can bring their vehicle registration to the Olympia Police Department main station at 601 Fourth Avenue E. between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Inventory is limited, according to OPD.
To be eligible, owners must live in Olympia and drive a non-push start Hyundai that was manufactured before November 2021. People who live in Tumwater or Lacey can contact their respective police departments about obtaining a wheel lock, OPD said.
The locks come directly from Hyundai, which has provided them to law enforcement for local distribution. OPD initially announced the offering in early December, and a Wednesday update indicated OPD has received additional locks.
Police across the country have blamed viral TikTok and YouTube videos for the rise in thefts. The videos describe how to steal Kia and Hyundai cars. The USB exploit bypasses the ignition and starts the car after removing the steering column, McClatchy previously reported.
