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FILE: A line of 2022 Santa Fe SUVs sit outside a Hyundai dealership Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Littleton, Colo.

This weekend the Houston Police Department is partnering with Hyundai to decrease Houston's rising car theft rate.

According to Dave VandeLine, Vice President of Hyundai America, Hyundai vehicles have seen a 61% increase in theft since the summer of 2021. This is mostly due to a social media trend that exposed the security flaws of Hyundai and Kia vehicles. To address these issues, the company has started a program to improve its vehicles security.

"So Hyundai set out to work on an alarm solution, kind of a basic alarm solution, a steering wheel lock distribution program, and engineering software solutions, Vandeline said.

This weekend Hyundai is hosting a free anti-theft clinic event at Greenspoint Mall. Hyundai technicians will be on-site to upgrade the security of Hyundai vehicles.

Owners of Hyundai vehicles built between 2011 and 2021 will receive software upgrades, and all Hyundai vehicles will be provided steering wheel locks. The process will take less than 30 minutes, and police officers will be present at the event.

VandeLine said the event is the third one in Texas; Hyundai previously ran the anti-theft clinic in Austin and El Paso.

The free event will take place on the west side of Greenspoint Mall, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Dana Hitzman, Commander of the Auto Theft Division, said the trend of high car theft rates across the country has affected Houston, and Hyundai vehicles are highly targeted.

"We know that auto thefts are a problem across the country. In over the last three years, we've had an increase of auto thefts, specifically in Houston, Hitzman said. Although the trend took a little time to reach the Houston area, we have since observed increases similar to other major cities.

The police department urged residents to exercise caution to prevent car theft by parking in garages when possible, using modern car alarms and tracking devices, and never leaving a vacant car running.

Read the rest here:
Houston Police, Hyundai to host free anti-theft security event for vehicle owners - Houston Public Media

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