Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office looks to deter thefts of Kias and Hyundais by offering free locks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, over 1,200 reported thefts involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been reported.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

During July’s Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, JSO is handing out steering wheel locks to the community.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

JSO information officer Christian Hancock explained how the locking device helps discourage thieves.

“So, it will go inside your steering wheel, and then you lock it. So, basically, the steering wheel is here and it’ll be on the inside it if you put it obviously towards the door. It will hit on things that will allow you to steer the vehicle the vehicle, is what it’s designed to do.”

Police from Charlotte, NC demonstrate in the Youtube video below how the device works.

The lock will be free for Duval County residents who own a Kia or a Hyundai with a key-operated ignition system.

Those interested can pick them up at any one of the district substations Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

RELATED: ‘The only car they took was mine:’ Growing number of stolen Kias and Hyundais in Jacksonville

Residents will need to give their name, address, and the year and model of their vehicle.

The substations are located at:

• District 1 Substation (Brooklyn / Downtown / Eastside / San Marco / Springfield) - 5258-13 Norwood Ave., 32208 (Gateway Town Center)
• District 2 Substation (Arlington / Intracoastal West) - 9119 Merrill Rd., Suite 26, 32225 (Merrill Crossing)
• District 3 Substation (Mandarin / Southside) - 8875 Liberty Ridge Dr., Suite 110, 32256 (Prominence Parkway)
• District 4 Substation (Avondale / Ortega / Westside) - 3726 Blanding Blvd., 32210 (Cedar Hills Shopping Center)
• District 5 Substation (Baldwin / New Town / Northwest / Riverside) - 1767 Kings Rd., 32209 (Edward Waters University)
• District 6 Substation (Northside / San Mateo / Oceanway) - 1680 Dunn Ave., Suite 39, 32218 (Rutgers Plaza)

Click here to search and learn which Police District, Sector, and Subsector you are located in.

JSO reminds drivers to park in well-lit areas, close and lock all windows and doors when parked, keep valuables out of sight, do not leave keys in their vehicle, and do not leave the area while their vehicle is running unattended.

Manufacturers of both vehicle makes are assisting to make these locks available to the community.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.