Bellevue PD runs out of steering wheel locks in 15 mins at event

BELLEVUE, Wash. — The Bellevue Police Department gave away free steering wheel locks on Sunday. There was an event scheduled for Saturday but it was canceled.

The event was on Sunday, September 24, at the Factoria Police Substation at 1 p.m. It was supposed to go until 5 p.m. but police said they ran out of steering wheel locks in 15 minutes.

The department said the City of Bellevue has seen a 17% increase in vehicle thefts overall in 2023, especially Kia and Hyundai. BPD has gotten 44 stolen Kia reports and 66 stolen Hyundai reports so far this year, around a 340% and 239% increase.

To prevent car theft the BPD recommends:

• Have all recall work and software updates performed by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
• Use a steering wheel lock.
• Get an alarm system.
• Put a tracking device, such as an AirTag, in your car.

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