SALISBURY — In response to the high-volume of Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts, the Salisbury Police Department is set to distribute free wheel locks for 2010 and newer Kia and Hyundai vehicles in an effort aimed at combating auto thefts.

“Auto theft is a serious issue affecting communities nationwide, and Salisbury is not exempt,” Salisbury Police Chief PJ Smith said. “The Salisbury Police Department aims to give residents an additional layer of security to protect their vehicles from theft by providing wheel locks.”

According to a release from the SPD, applicants must provide proof of Kia or Hyundai vehicle ownership and reside within Salisbury limits. Wheel locks are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limited quantity. Locks can be obtained during regular business hours at the police department, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Salisbury Police Department is located at 130 E. Liberty Street in downtown Salisbury.

On Monday, Lt. Brandon Casper indicated that knowledge of the means to steal the vehicles has circulated through an online social-media challenge that went viral and hit Salisbury towards the end of last year.

Casper added that the department’s ability to distribute the anti-theft mechanisms came through a partnership with Kia.

“We reached out to Kia and they offered these steering wheel locks,” Casper said.

As a result, no funding from the department’s budget was necessary to be able to offer the locks.

Casper also mentioned that the Kia representative the department worked with said that the automobile manufacturer is working on software updates to roll out that would address the issue.

“(The wheel locks) should be an interim deterrent,” Casper said.

For more information contact Casper at 704-638-5333.