News Summary
With car thefts in Birmingham surging by 375%, the Birmingham Police are providing free steering wheel locks to Kia and Hyundai owners. Residents can pick up the locks at four police precincts by showing proof of residence and vehicle ownership. This initiative follows a resolution to address rising theft rates, which have greatly affected these vehicle models. Kia and Hyundai are also taking steps by offering software upgrades and anti-theft measures to combat the ongoing theft epidemic in the city.
Birmingham residents who own Kia or Hyundai vehicles can now receive free steering wheel locks from the Birmingham Police Department, as part of a program aimed at enhancing vehicle security amid escalating theft rates. This initiative is particularly timely, given the alarming increase in car thefts reported in the city.
To obtain a steering wheel lock, residents need to present documentation proving their residence in Birmingham and ownership of either a Kia or Hyundai vehicle. The locks are readily available at all four Birmingham Police precincts:
- North Precinct: 2600 31st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35207
- South Precinct: 1320 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205
- East Precinct: 600 Red Lane Road, Birmingham, AL 35206
- West Precinct: 2236 47th Street Ensley, West Birmingham, AL 35208
This initiative comes in the wake of a resolution recently approved by the Birmingham City Council, which allows the city to potentially take legal actions against Kia and Hyundai. The decision is part of a broader effort to address the alarming rise in car thefts, which have surged by 375% over the recent months. A significant portion of these thefts involves Kia and Hyundai models, which account for approximately one-third of all stolen vehicles in Birmingham.
City Attorney Nicole King highlighted that the growing incidents of vehicle theft are a considerable drain on city resources, emphasizing the need for protective measures. Birmingham Police reported that vehicle thefts increased by 327% in September 2023 alone compared to the previous year, which includes 359 thefts of Kia and Hyundai models. The situation has prompted urgent calls for action from law enforcement and city officials.
The spike in car thefts has been partially linked to social media, particularly the platform TikTok, which has been noted for disseminating information on how to exploit the vulnerabilities of these vehicles. In fact, the National Insurance Crime Bureau stated that the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Optima are among the most stolen vehicles nationwide in 2023.
In response to these concerns, Kia and Hyundai have been proactive by offering software upgrades for at-risk vehicles, which have led to a 50% decrease in the frequency of theft claims among cars that received the upgrade since February 2023. Additionally, Kia has distributed over 65,000 anti-theft steering wheel locks to customers in targeted areas, furthering their commitment to vehicle security.
This issue has gained traction not only in Birmingham but also in various other cities across the nation. In 2024, lawsuits have been filed against Kia and Hyundai in cities like Nashville, TN, and Lexington, KY, citing similar problems of vehicle theft due to the vehicles’ design flaws. Furthermore, a class action lawsuit focusing on these issues led to a $200 million settlement announced in October 2023, which provides financial assistance to theft victims.
The Birmingham Police Department continues to urge local residents to act proactively to safeguard their vehicles from theft. With the introduction of this free steering wheel lock program, the department is making strides to help residents protect their investments and deter the increasing trend of vehicle theft that has taken hold in the city.
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Additional Resources
- ABC3340: Birmingham Police Offer Free Steering Wheel Locks
- AL.com: Birmingham Police Warning on Kia and Hyundai Thefts
- WBRC: Birmingham Challenges Kia and Hyundai Over Defective Design
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Knowledge
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
