Federal Way police are giving owners of older Hondas a free auto theft prevention device on a first come, first serve basis.
The department is participating in a regional program aimed at reducing vehicle theft. Regional thefts of 1991-1998 Honda Accords and Civics have spiked recently, according to Kent police. Federal Way has free steering wheel locking devices, known as The Club, for residents who show proof of residency and ownership of one of these vehicles.
Hondas have historically been at the top of the most-stolen list regionally and in Federal Way. Since January, 209 vehicles have been reported stolen in the city, said Kelly Crouch, Federal Way police crime analyst and prevention specialist. Of those, 88 have been 1991-1998 Honda Accords or Civics, she said.
“Using devices such as The Club is recommended as a proven deterrent to auto thieves,” said Kent Lt. John Pagel, commander of the South King-North Pierce auto theft task force.
The devices are provided to the police departments free of charge by the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority. The authority was formed by the Legislature in 2007, and pairs local police, prosecutors, insurance companies and the public to help halt vehicle theft in Washington. Through grants, the authority funds auto theft prevention projects and task forces.
“Vehicle thefts continue to plague our region and are usually preventable,” Pagel said in a news release. “We hope that this offer will increase public awareness and improve their ability to prevent auto theft from occurring.”
Club giveaway
The giveaway is a chance to participate in a regional task force initiative while providing a benefit to the community, Crouch said.
Mary Heck stopped by the police department to pick up The Club as soon as she heard about the giveaway. Her daughter drives a 1997 Honda Civic. The family knew the Honda was prone to theft when they bought the vehicle and installed security measures, Heck said. Her daughter drives frequently, and Heck figured it never hurts to take precautionary measures.
“I figured the more security, the better,” she said.
Use of The Club is one of several preventative actions intended to deter auto theft. The Club attaches to a vehicle’s steering wheel and is highly visible. Federal Way police recommend always parking one’s vehicle in a well-lighted, visible area; rolling up and locking all doors and windows when parking; removing personal belongings from the vehicle and reporting all auto thefts and other suspicious activities to police.
The following police departments are participating in the giveaway: Federal Way, Kent, Des Moines, Covington, Renton, Maple Valley, Newcastle, SeaTac, Sumner and Tukwila. Days and times in which the giveaway takes place vary by department. Federal Way will distribute its devices from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or by appointment, until the product runs out. Federal Way residents should call Kelly Crouch at (253) 835-6710 for more information.
