The Durango Police Department is giving away free steering-wheel locks in an effort to curb car theft.

Colorado has the highest motor-vehicle theft rate per capita in the country, according to a news release issued by the city of Durango. The locks are available to Durango residents only, and although residents who own any type of motor vehicle may be eligible to receive a lock, those who own one of the types of vehicles most often stolen in Colorado and Southwest Colorado are particularly targeted in this giveaway.

The list of vehicles and the years are as follows: Kia Sportage 2017-2019; Kia Optima 2013, 2015; Kia Sorento 2016, 2017, 2019; Kia Soul 2014-2018; Hyundai Tucson 2016-2019; Hyundai Sonata 2013, 2015-2017; Hyundai Elantra 2013, 2016, 2017; Chevrolet Silverado 2000, 2004-2006; Chevrolet Tahoe 1999-2009; GMC Sierra 2000, 2005; Ford F-Series 1999, 2002-2004, 2006.

There were a total of 45,248 stolen vehicles in Colorado in 2022, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation crime statistics page. In 2021 there were 42,261; in 2020 there were 31,570; and in 2019 there were 22,394.

“One of our priorities for 2022 was to reduce the number of motor vehicle thefts in Durango,” said Tessa Reinhart, crime analyst with Durango Police Department. “And we did, by 15%.”

There are a limited number (50) of wheel-locks available. Residents requesting one will be asked to show proof of vehicle registration. If they do not own a vehicle on the list, residents can call DPD and get placed on a waiting list.

While steering-wheel locks help discourage car thieves, they have also proven vulnerable to drilling, as well as being worked around by thieves who simply cut out a portion of the steering wheel, according to MotorBiscuit.

Durango police encourage people to avoid auto theft by locking vehicles, removing valuables and parking in well-lit areas.

For more information or to receive a lock call the DPD at 375-4700.

gjaros@durangoherald.com