Montgomery County Police and Hyundai Motor America are teaming up to host a new clinic to help Hyundai owners receive anti-theft software upgrades and steering wheel locks to prevent their vehicles from being stolen.
According to a press release from Hyundai, the clinics will be held Aug. 2 and 3 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Paint Branch High School, 14121 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville.
Hyundai vehicle thefts have spiked across the county and the nation in 2022 following the rise of a social media trend known as the “Kia Challenge,” in which thieves film themselves circumventing the vehicle’s security features and dismantling the steering column to access the ignition.
Next weekend’s anti-theft event follows a training session held in May at Montgomery County Public Safety Headquarters in Gaithersburg. More than 600 Hyundai vehicles have been updated with anti-theft devices and software, according to the release.
“There’s no cost, no appointment necessary, no identification needed,” David VanderLinde, vice president of Hyundai Motor America, said at a press conference for the first clinic in May. “All we need is your vehicle’s serial number.”
Vandelinde said the free software distribution is part of Hyundai’s efforts to combat theft in the wake of the TikTok challenge. The company launched the software package in February 2023 for 3.7 million Hyundai vehicles with key-turn ignition systems. Vandelinde said the package is being installed at dealerships nationwide.
VanderLinde also said that recognizing that vehicle owners may not have time to travel to their local dealership, the company decided to partner with law enforcement agencies to offer installation of the software update.
There were 3,438 motor vehicle thefts in the county in 2023, up from 1,499 in 2022, an increase of about 130%.
“If you have a Hyundai vehicle manufactured between 2011 and 2021, this is the place to come,” Police Chief Marcus Jones said during an anti-theft clinic in May.
He noted at the time that Hyundais accounted for more than 40 percent of the 1,094 vehicles stolen in the county so far this year.
Thirteen Montgomery County Public Schools students were arrested in November on suspicion of carjacking and auto theft. The arrests came after a pursuit involving two vehicles that police believed were stolen during an armed carjacking.
One vehicle carrying Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School students crashed after a police pursuit. Police spotted another vehicle a short time later near B-CC and several suspects fled, forcing the school to go on lockdown while police searched for the suspects.
Related article
If MoCo360 informs, connects and inspires you, become a member today and join our community. Membership supports our community journalism and gives you access to exclusive benefits.
