AAA is organizing a steering wheel lock giveaway

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Hyundai and Kia drivers know there have been problems with car thefts over the past few years.

On Saturday, AAA and three partners visited East Liberty to hand out devices to Kia and Hyundai owners to help protect their cars.

The idea is to provide a layer of protection for Hyundai and Kia owners. They armed those who showed up with steering-wheel-locking devices.

Ike Hamilton wouldn’t want his gold Hyundai to disappear.

“I also want to protect my vehicle, that’s why I’m here,” Hamilton said.

AAA, in partnership with Pittsburgh and Allegheny County police, is handing out yellow stick-shaped padlocks.

“They’ve been around for years. They’re an effective deterrent,” said Jim Garrity of AAA East Central.

They’re keeping people from getting behind the wheel and stealing these cars. Something Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto says has happened more than 140 times since May of this year.

“This is not organized crime,” Scirotto said. “They don’t steal for profit; they steal for fun.”

Scirotto said many of the culprits are young people. All parties involved in Saturday’s incident said there are basic steps people can take as well.

“It’s really important not to leave your keys in the car and not to leave your doors open,” Scirotto said.

“This is just one additional thing vehicle owners can do,” Garrity said.

And Ike Hamilton goes one step further.

“I’m spreading this message to everyone who needs the club,” he said.

AAA says at least four more events are planned in the coming months.

Below is a list of planned future events:

White Oak: October 21, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Washington: October 21, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Wexford: October 23rd, 11:00am – 2:00pm

McMurray: November 18, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The location of these events was not available from KDKA-TV at the time of this report.