A challenge on TikTok called the "Kia Challenge," has shown videos of people attempting to steal Kia vehicles. In an effort to protect Kia vehicles owners from potential theft, the Erie Police Department and Kia gave out steering-wheel locks on Saturday specifically to owners of Kia vehicles made between 2011 and 2021 with steel turnkey ignitions.

Chris Clement, Erie Police Department Detective Sergeant, said Chris Clement said if you own a Kia and have the lock on the steering-wheel, you are giving yourself a good chance of staying safe from potential thieves. "Having a steering wheel lock on the vehicles will add an extra layer of security until the owners of the affected models are able to get a software update," Clement said.

Mary Ross, an Erie resident who stopped by to get a steering-wheel lock, said, "I am upset because I just wish people would take their energy and do good instead of looking for things to make things worse for us innocent people."
 
Erie Mayor Joe Schember drove through the Erie Police Department parking lot and said the Erie police officers were, "doing a great job."
 
The event went from 1-4 p.m. and to get a steering-wheel lock, citizens had to either reside or work in the City of Erie, be the registered owner of the vehicle, and provide proof of ownership as well as proof of residency or employment in the City of Erie.