Oneida County Sheriff’s Office to help Kia and Hyundai owners vulnerable to theft

ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — In Oneida County, the Sheriff’s Office is taking a page out of the Syracuse Police playbook.

This week, they’re giving away free steering wheel locks for Kia and Hyundai models vulnerable to theft.

Over the past year, hundreds of cars have been stolen due to the multitude of videos online that can teach anyone how to break into and steal Kia and Hyundai cars.

“Auto theft is a serious issue affecting communities nationwide, and Oneida County is not exempt,” said Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.

That’s why the Sheriff’s Office is working to help residents impacted by the security glitch and hand out locks on a first come first serve basis.

The Sheriff’s Office will give out the locks on Wednesday, April 3, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in front of the Oneida County Public Safety Complex at 6075 Judd Road in Oriskany.

Applicants must provide proof of Kia or Hyundai vehicle ownership and have one of the affected models below:

• Effected KIA Models
  • 2010-2022 Soul
    2011-2020 Optima
    2011-2021 Forte
    2011-2021 Rio
    2011-2021 Sedona
    2021-2022 Seltos
    2011-2022 Sorento
    2011-2022 Sportage
    2021-2022 K5
• Effected Hyundai Models
  • 2017-2020 Elantra
    2015-2019 Sonata
    2020-2021 Venue
    2018-2022 Accent
    2011-2016 Elantra
    2021-2022 Elantra
    2018-2020 Elantra GT
    2011-2014 Genesis Coupe
    2018-2022 Kona
    2020-2021 Palisade
    2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport
    2013-2022 Santa Fe
    2019 Santa Fe XL
    2011-2014 Sonata
    2011-2022 Tucson
    2012-2017, 2019-2021 Veloster 

For more information, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 315-765-2222.

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