Wauwatosa Kia Owners Can Get Free Steering Wheel Locks

WAUWATOSA, WI — Amid a rise in Kia car thefts, officials are giving out free steering wheel locks.

The Wauwatosa Police Department, Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers and Russ Darrow Kia will provide the free clubs on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Russ Darrow Kia, 1901 N. Mayfair Road.

Proof of ownership is required and the locks will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.
The locks are for Kia owners who live or work in Wauwatosa.

The City of Wauwatosa has seen an 38 percent increase in Kia car thefts. Newer model Kias that have keyed ignitions are most vulnerable and susceptible to theft.

All model year 2022 Kia cars will be standard outfitted with engine immobilizers, Wauwatosa police said.

Nine cars parked in the Children's Wisconsin Hospital construction lot at North 94th Street and West Wisconsin Avenue were broken into sometime between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Aug. 17, according to the Wauwatosa Police Department log entries. The cars were not all Kia models. Police will also be providing information and education on how to prevent car theft on Saturday.