Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Dublin Police officers are actively working to reduce one of the most common crimes in the City — thefts from motor vehicles.

Whether you are parked in a lot all day for work, headed into the store for a few minutes, or in the comfort of your own neighborhood, don’t make it easy for thieves to break into your vehicle. The Dublin Police Department would like to remind residents, corporate citizens and visitors to take steps to prevent thefts from vehicles and thefts of vehicles. 

1. Lock your vehicle.

• • • • The majority of vehicles that are stolen from are unlocked.
      • Park in a well-lit, high-traffic area whenever you are away from home.

2. Take your valuables with you, if you can. If not, hide them in a secure area like the trunk.

• • • Valuables include garage door openers and anything that could indicate items of value are in a vehicle (cellphone chargers, audio cords, suction cup mounts, or spare change in a cup holder).
    • Firearms can also be stolen from vehicles, so secure any firearms responsibly.

3. Remember to take your keys or fob.

• • • Unattended keys or fobs left in a vehicle can result in a vehicle theft.

4. Call the Dublin Police immediately if you witness a crime or something suspicious.

• • • For crimes in progress, call 911.
      To report suspicious behavior, call 614.889.1112.

The Dublin Police credits much of the reduction in thefts from motor vehicles to crime prevention efforts by Dublin residents.

For Kia and Hyundai Owners

The Dublin Police Department is distributing steering wheel locks free of charge for owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles with steel-key and turn-to-start ignitions, which have been the target of recent thefts based on their lack of an immobilizer. All Kia and Hyundai models from 2011 to 2021 are affected; push-to-start models are not impacted.

Kia Motors and Hyundai have worked to deliver steering wheel locks for their affected vehicles to the Dublin Police. If you buy your own steering wheel lock online, purchase from a reputable vendor.

What To Know

• To pick up a lock,
  • visit the Dublin Justice Center, 6565 Commerce Parkway
  • during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Ask for a free steering wheel lock at the Records Department window
• View the Kia steering wheel lock user guide: https://www.arsnusa.com/userguide
• If you have a question about how to use a lock, call to speak to an officer on the non-emergency line: 1.614.889.1112.
• Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer. The companies will provide the software free of charge to vehicle owners.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges owners of these vehicles to contact Hyundai (1.800.633.5151) or Kia (1.800.333.4542) for information.