AUSTIN, Texas —
Austin police are working to keep Hyundai vehicles safe from a recent trend of thefts. They partnered with the carmaker on Saturday for an event to upgrade drivers' software.
Nancy Nusser and her dogs were one of the first ones in line to get the antitheft software update for her car.
"Sometimes I have my dogs in the car if it's not hot, and they are a very good antitheft device. But it's still vulnerable," Nusser said.
Once she learned about the issue that made her car an easier target, she wanted to do something about it, so she came to the APD and Hyundai event.
“My understanding is it's part of an APD effort to really kind of build better community relations. And I think this is probably a very, very good way to do it," Nusser said.
Sgt. Maynes with the Austin Police Department (APD) said the vehicles lack an immobilizer, making them easy to steal. Thanks to a new social media trend, it's been happening more.
"The Austin Police Department has cared about our community who operate and drive Hyundai and Kia vehicles," Maynes said.
APD has seen a 35% increase in Hyundais and Kias stolen since this time last year. The update aims to fix that.
"My hope is that our community can have a peace of mind, that they can park their vehicle and not be fearful every night that their car is going to be there, not be there in the morning," Maynes said.
It's a peace of mind people like Elizabeth Whiteside are grateful for. She was the first in line at Saturday's event.
"I'll be in a lot of different places – at the grocery stores and things. It's not taking them a long time to steal these vehicles. So I just … want to make sure I'm covered," Whiteside said.
"I already feel safe," she added as she left with her car updated.
Free steering wheel locks were also being handed out for an extra layer of security.
"We find that multiple levels and layers of security and protection and awareness really help to mitigate the theft problem," Ira Gabriel with Hyundai Corporate Media Relations said.
The lock makes it difficult, if not impossible, to turn the wheel – and it sends a message.
"It's a great visual deterrence. And as people walk by and they see a steering wheel lock on it, they realize that this is not a car that I want to mess with," Gabriel said.
Anyone who didn't make it to the event on Saturday can still stop by the APD recruiting building to get a free steering wheel lock. Drivers can also contact their Hyundai dealership to schedule a time to get the software installed.
It's unclear if there will be a similar event for Kia drivers, but those impacted by the thefts can also ask for a free steering wheel lock.