The Moline and East Moline police departments will give away the locks at the Hyundai dealership in Moline, as viral “Kia Boys” videos show how easy it is to steal Hyundais and Kias using a USB cord.
Moline Police Chief Darren Gault says the national trend led to more car theft in the Quad Cities.
"Just in Moline, we've seen, in the last ten years, a 477% increase in stolen vehicles, most of this has happened in 2020 through 2022," he said. "So, a large majority of this problem is a Kia and Hyundai issue."
The cars are often taken on joyrides or used in other crimes, like burglary, and then left somewhere.
Hyundai and Kia cars built from 2011 to 2022 don’t have engine immobilizers, which prevent car theft.
But a steering wheel lock can help. Police will give 240 locks away for free on Saturday.
"Someone that wants to obtain one of these from us needs to appear with their Kia or Hyundai vehicle, they have to be a resident, and the vehicle has to be registered in Rock Island County, because that's the district of the Hyundai that provided us these."
The giveaway will be held at Green Hyundai, along John Deere Rd., near 70th St. in Moline, Saturday from 9 am to noon, or until they run out.
Both companies are working on software upgrades to fix the issue, and will likely pay millions in lawsuits.
