The Norristown Police Department is providing free wheel locks to specific car owners in the municipality. Nina Baratti explained why — and how to get one — for KYW Newsradio.

The offer applies to purchasers of 2015–2022 Hyundais and 2011–2022 Kias, whose vehicles use conventional keys.

Millions of these cars are absent an important antitheft device, an immobilizer, which prevents hot-wiring a car without a key.

Thieves nationwide have exploited the vulnerability, goaded, it is theorized, by a TikTok challenge. It demonstrates how to leverage the missing technology with little more than a USB cord and a screwdriver.

The software fixes began Feb. 14, but as an interim safety measure, the wheel locks are available for free.

They can be picked up at the Norristown Municipal Building (235 E. Airy St.) after showing proof of ownership of the identified makes and models.

The complete details on this Norristown provision of wheel locks is at KYW Newsradio.

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Car thefts related to the TikTok challenge is a national concern, evidenced by this report from Los Angeles.