Affordable tools you can buy to prevent car theft

SEATTLE — KIRO 7 is continuing our coverage of auto theft prevention by looking into items and tools that can make it harder for thieves to steal your car.

A tool gaining popularity nationwide is a kill switch, an electrical switch hidden somewhere in a car.

However, installing one could void your car’s warranty, according to several local mechanics.

Steering wheel locks are highly recommended by law enforcement, and the visual of one in a car also serves as a deterrent.

The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force and the following police departments previously offered free steering wheel locks to owners of Hyundais and Kias.

The free steering wheel locks were high in demand. Bellevue Police ran out 15 minutes into a giveaway last month.

It’s likely supplies are out, but it wouldn’t hurt to check in with the following departments that have given out free steering wheel locks before:

• Seattle Police
• Pierce County Sheriff’s Department
• Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office
• Lakewood Police
• Puyallup Police
• Edgewood Police
• Eatonville Police
• University Place Police
• Bonney Lake Police
• Fife Police
• Federal Way Police
• Auburn Police
• Des Moines Police
• SeaTac Police
• Tukwila Police

However, there are cases where a steering wheel lock — or even the steering wheel — is cut or sawed through.

Another option is purchasing a battery cutoff switch, which is mounted on a car battery to deter theft.

Some car owners are also resorting to purchasing their own parking boots to lock onto their wheels.

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