Green Bay Police Department seal (PHOTO/WTAQ News)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As thefts of certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles continue to plague Northeast Wisconsin, two Green Bay dealerships are once again teaming up with the city’s police department to combat the issue.
On Thursday, the Green Bay Police Department (GBPD) announced it is partnering with Bergstrom Hyundai and Dorsch Kia to host a second free mobile anti-theft software upgrade clinic. The first took place last November.
So far in 2024, GBPD says it has opened investigations into the theft or attempted theft of 102 vehicles of all makes and models. In 2023, that number was 297 — and approximately two-thirds of those cases involved Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Earlier this year, the Oshkosh Police Department said it was investigating reports of auto thefts targeting Hyundais and Kias.
Additionally, the Manitowoc Police Department is currently offering a $500 reward for information regarding eight reports of Kia, Hyundai and Honda model vehicles — four of which occurred in the last two weeks.
GBPD’s upgrade clinic in conjunction with the local dealerships will be held June 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Automobile Gallery & Event Center, located at 400 S. Adams Street, in the back parking lot off S. Washington Street.
Vehicle owners must pre-register to verify eligibility and ensure maximum efficiency. Organizers ask that registrants commit to attending the clinic. If you need to cancel your appointment, you should do so no later than 12 p.m. May 31 so your appointment can be offered to someone on the waitlist.
Mobile technicians from both dealerships will be available on-site to install the anti-theft software upgrades. Officials say the process is typically completed in approximately 15-20 minutes. Drivers who receive the upgrade will be given a window sticker to place on their vehicle.
Additionally, GBPD staff will provide and fit eligible vehicles with a free steering wheel lock. Proof of Brown County residency is required to receive the lock.
Vehicles in need of the anti-theft software upgrades are those with a turn-key-to-start ignition, not the push-button ignition system. See below for a list of the following makes, models, and years:
Hyundai
Accent (2018-22)
Elantra (2011-22)
Elantra GT (2013-20)
Genesis Coupe (2013-14)
Kona (2018-22)
Palisade (2020-21)
Santa Fe (2013-22)
Santa Fe Sport (2013-18)
Santa Fe XL (2019)
Sonota (2011-19)
Tucson (2011-22)
Veloster (2012-17 & 2019-21)
Venue (2020-21)
Important note: Click here to precheck your vehicle identification number (VIN) with Hyundai to ensure eligibility before booking an appointment.
Kia
Forte (2011-22)
K5 (2021-22)
Optima (2011-20)
Rio (2011-21)
Sedona (2011-21)
Seltos (2021-22)
Sorento (2011-22)
Soul (2010-22)
Sportage (2011-22)
Important note: Click here to precheck your vehicle identification number (VIN) with Kia to ensure eligibility before booking an appointment.
If you are unable to make this event, you are encouraged to contact your local Hyundai or Kia dealership for assistance.
If you’re interested in participating in the upgrade clinic, you should register online here no later than May 31. You can also contact GBPD’s Melanie Skalmoski at (920) 448-3260 or melanie.skalmoski@greenbaywi.gov, or Natalia Sidon at (920) 448-3330 or natalia.sidon@greenbaywi.gov. If all appointments are booked, a waitlist will be started.
GBPD asks anyone with information related to the suspect(s) of auto theft or attempted auto theft to call the police department at (920) 448-3200. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (920) 432-STOP (7867) to be eligible for a reward. You can also submit a tip online at www.432stop.com or utilize the “P3 Tips” app.
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