In a continuing trend that should worry Hyundai and Kia vehicle owners, Las Cruces remains a hotspot for automobile theft, particularly targeting these two brands. According to the City of Las Cruces, there have been 70 Hyundai and 38 Kia cars reported stolen this year alone, and Hyundai Elantras are leading the charge with 49 thefts.
The theft spree has prompted a response from both manufacturers who, in 2023, released software updates engineered to augment vehicle security by requiring the ignition key to be inserted before the vehicle can start and by extending the length of the car's alarm from 30 seconds to a full minute and these updates, though suggested last year, remain at the forefront of recommendations by local law enforcement.
To aid in the effort to curb car thefts, the Las Cruces Police Department is actively encouraging owners of these vehicles to update their security software and for those with key-start models from 2011 to 2022 for Hyundai, and 2011 to 2021 for Kia, they are offering a tangible layer of protection in the form of a free steering wheel lock, provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The steering wheel locks are distributed from the Las Cruces Police Department headquarters at 217 E. Picacho Ave., with availability from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, but keep in mind, it's a one-per-customer deal while supplies last and vehicle owners must come prepared with current registration to prove ownership the police emphasize this as a critical step in safeguarding one's car from theft. Furthermore, for more detailed information on securing these software updates, car owners are advised to reach out directly to Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 or Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Beyond these specific measures for Hyundai and Kia owners, the Las Cruces Police Department advocates for broader proactive behavior among all car owners, including the installation and use of audible alarm systems that prevent engine start without a key, a simple but effective deterrent. They also remind everyone to avoid leaving keys or firearms in unattended vehicles and to lock their doors when parked, common sense tips that bear repeating in light of the recent theft statistics.
