After giving away over 400 steering wheel locks at past events this year, the Bellevue Police Department will again be providing free steering wheel locks this weekend. The effort comes as auto thefts have been on the rise in Bellevue and across the region.
Steering wheel locks are an effective deterrent to these thefts. The events will be held at the following locations:
- Saturday, December 2nd, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bellevue Police Factoria Police Substation
(Inside Factoria Mall, Next to Nordstrom Rack)
- Sunday, December 3rd, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bellevue Police Crossroads Substation
(Crossroads Mall next to Planet Fitness)
The City of Bellevue has seen a 29 percent increase in vehicle thefts in 2023 through the end of October. What is especially concerning, however, is the increase in thefts of vehicles made by two manufacturers: Kia and Hyundai. Bellevue Police have received 69 stolen Kia reports and 83 stolen Hyundai reports during the same time frame, a staggering 762% and 730% increase, respectively. The Bellevue Police Department strongly urges owners of these vehicles to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of theft by considering the following:
- Have all recall work and software updates performed by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
- Use a steering wheel lock.
- Consider purchasing an alarm system.
- Place a tracking device, such as an AirTag, in your vehicle to aid in recovery.
Locks will be available while supplies last, limit one lock per person.
Bellevue Beat Blog 