Amid a continued elevated number of vehicle thefts, compared to pre-pandemic levels, Arlington County police are giving away free anti-theft devices.
A pair of upcoming giveaway events will take place on Wednesday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 23 in church parking lots. Police will distribute one steering wheel lock to each vehicle owner who lives in Arlington and shows up to the event, while supplies last.
The giveaways are being held “to help prevent auto thefts ahead of the peak summer season.”
Police also say that owners of some frequently stolen cars — including Hyundai, Toyota, Kia and Honda models — may additionally be eligible to receive free Apple AirTags. Certain Hyundais and Kias are particularly vulnerable to vehicle theft due to lack of a common anti-theft device and simple instructions for stealing them being distributed on social media.
More, below, from an ACPD press release.
The Arlington County Police Department is offering free steering wheel lock devices to help prevent auto thefts ahead of the peak summer season. These anti-theft devices are free, while supplies last, to Arlington residents and those who park their vehicles while at work in Arlington.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motor vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds in the United States in 2022. Thefts, including the stealing of vehicles, vehicle parts and items left unattended inside parked vehicles, are often crimes of opportunity. Steering wheel locks are a proactive, visible measure community members can take to help deter crime and keep their vehicles safe.
Anti-Theft Device Giveaways
Officers will share educational information and distribute one steering wheel lock per vehicle owner, while supplies last, at the following events:
- Wednesday, April 17 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church parking lot, 830 23rd Street S., from 3 – 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 23 at Arlington Assembly of God parking lot, 4501 N. Pershing Drive, from 12 – 4 p.m.
Additionally, if you own one of the below listed vehicle makes and models, which were the most commonly reported stolen vehicles in Arlington County in 2023, or your vehicle appears on the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) 2022 Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles Nationally list, you may be eligible to receive an Apple AirTag.
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Sonata
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Corolla
- Kia Optima
- Hyundai Tucson
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Honda CRV
- Kia Forte
- Chevrolet Express
Help Prevent Vehicle Thefts with These Crime Prevention Tips
The police department encourages all motorists to practice the following crime prevention tips:
- Use a steering wheel or pedal locking device.
- Consider aftermarket alarm systems or anti-theft devices.
- Park in well-lit areas and activate exterior lights at your home.
- Remove valuables from your parked vehicle.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Double click the lock button on the key fob to receive a confirmation beep/chirp or pull on the door handle to verify it’s locked.
- Do not leave your keys, key fobs, or valet keys in your vehicle. This includes keys to a secondary vehicle.
- Keep information, such as the make, model, model year, license plate and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) easily accessible in the event your vehicle is stolen.
- Participate in the 9 P.M. Routine and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do so too.