Washington, D.C,. is offering free steering wheel locks to residents after a social media challenge led to a spike in vehicle thefts.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Metropolitan Police Department announced on Thursday that residents who own a 2011-2021 Kia or Hyundai vehicle would be eligible to obtain one of the free anti-theft devices starting Friday.

The effort was triggered by a "social media challenge," which showed users how to use a USB cable to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

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In January 2022, 25 thefts were reported of Hyundai and Kia vehicles. In December, the number was 150, directly correlating with the social media challenge. The spike resulted in the two companies partnering with the MPD to disperse the anti-theft devices.

“Car theft is a serious problem — it is incredibly stressful and often costly and time-consuming for the victims, and it is dangerous to have these stolen cars on the road,” Bowser said in a press release. “I encourage all DC residents who own a 2011-2021 Kia or Hyundai to pick up their free steering wheel locks as soon as possible from a District station to prevent theft. As MPD and our public safety partners work together to prevent car theft and hold accountable those who are stealing cars in our city, this is one way we can work together to proactively prevent crime.”

The district's new policy comes after months of fighting over a crime bill passed unanimously by the D.C. Council that reduced maximum sentences for various crimes, including carjackings.

D.C. saw 3,761 motor vehicle thefts in 2022, an 8% increase from the previous year.

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“We are seeing that many of the vehicles stolen in the District are later being used to commit acts of violent crime in our city,” MPD Chief Robert Contee said, echoing Bowser's statement. “This is unacceptable. The Metropolitan Police Department’s top priority is to ensure that every resident and visitor of this city is safe from becoming a victim of a crime, and that the violent offenders that choose to act recklessly are being held accountable for their actions.”

Eligible residents must provide proof of their possession of a 2011-2021 Kia or Hyundai vehicle, a steel ignition key, proof of residence in D.C., and a district ID.