Police Media Release

November 23, 2022

Lakewood Police Department To Give Away Free Steering Wheel Locks

As you may have seen in the news, the Cleveland area has been plagued recently by Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts. This has been a problem in major cities across the U.S.

In an effort to stem the thefts, the Lakewood Police Department has obtained free of charge a limited supply of steering wheel locks (The Club) from Hyundai and Kia. Lakewood residents who own a 2014 to 2021 Hyundai (key start only) or a 2011 to 2021 Kia (key start only) vehicle can stop by the LPD with proof of ownership & proof of Lakewood residency for a free device.

Hyundai and Kia Motor America vehicles have been targeted in a coordinated effort on social media. Criminals are targeting vehicles without engine immobilizers. Immobilizers became standard on all vehicles produced after November 1, 2021.  In order to assist people with earlier model year vehicles without an immobilizer, Hyundai and Kia have been working with local police departments to make steering wheel locks available for affected Hyundai and Kia owners.

The Lakewood Police Department has a limited supply of locks at this time.  If you have questions regarding availability, call the Lakewood Police Department Reserve Desk at 216-529-6789.