Full Notification

STEERING WHEEL LOCK DISTRIBUTION PLANNED

Modesto, CA – Local law enforcement agencies have planned another free steering wheel lock distribution event to assist in the current trend of declining auto theft rates in the county. The event will begin on August 27, 2009 at the Modesto Police Department.

Stanislaus County, commonly referred to as the Modesto Metropolitan Area, was recently given the dubious distinction as being the “auto theft capitol” of the United States. Though recent years have seen significant reductions in auto thefts in the area as a result of vigorous enforcement and prosecution, local law enforcement agencies have planned another steering lock giveaway to further reduce auto theft rates in Stanislaus County cities and unincorporated areas. The first of the steering wheel lock giveaways took place in 2008 and was very well received by the public with numerous requests to provide the same service this year. The steering wheel lock has proven to be a highly visible and effective way to deter thieves from these crimes of opportunity.

StanCATT (Stanislaus County Auto Theft Taskforce), in close coordination with the Modesto Police Department and other county law enforcement agencies, will distribute 1,000 steering wheel locks on beginning on Thursday, August 27th at several distribution points in the county. Recipients of the free locks will be asked to provide a valid registration card as proof that they live in Stanislaus County (cites and unincorporated areas) and that they own one of the county’s eight most frequently stolen vehicles with an emphasis on 2003 or older models (listed below):

Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Toyota Camry
Nissan Sentra
Acura Integra
Chevrolet/GMC pickups / SUV’s
Toyota pickups
Ford Mustang

The kick-off for the steering lock giveaway event is planned for Thursday, August 27th beginning at 7:30 am at the Modesto Police Department, 600 10th Street. The free locks will be handed out in front of the Modesto Police Administration building at the corner of 10th and “G” Streets.

Residents outside of the Modesto area can pick up their free lock at one of the 13 other locations (refer to the poster which can be viewed on the internet at the following link):

www.modestogov.com/newsroom/releases/police.

The time and manner of distribution at these alternate locations may differ slightly.

For further information regarding this press release please contact Sergeant Brian Findlen at (209) 652-1386.