AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — Amherst and West Seneca police announced the departments received steering wheel locks from Kia America.
Amherst said it received about 100 while West Seneca said it received about 24.
The distribution of the steering wheel locks comes as Kia faces a class-action lawsuit from drivers who say they have possibly been victims of the TikTok "Kia Challenge," which has led to a spike in thefts. Kia America previously released a statement on the fatal crash that occurred in Buffalo that involved a stolen Kia Sportage. Police believe the theft may have been motivated by the challenge.
Police said the locks are intended for Kias produced between 2011 and 2022 which require a key in the ignition. Any owner who is a resident can bring their vehicle and proof of residency to the police department to receive their lock for free. The locks will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis and will be distributed until they are gone.
Amherst police announced it has distributed all the steering wheel locks it received and will alert the public when more are available.
Last week the Erie County Sheriff's Office said it would be working with Kia America to distribute the locks as well. It is expected to release more information on its distribution when available.
