Kia drivers receive free anti-theft upgrades at Mayfair Mall service center

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Friday, Oct. 20, about 300 Kia owners expected to get free anti-theft software at a Mayfair Mall clinic.

Kia thefts have been an issue plaguing Milwaukee for several years. On Friday, Kia USA and a local dealership responded to the issue by hosting a weekend clinic offering a free anti-theft program update.

"The difference is before, any key start vehicle, they were able to get in and steal that vehicle by overriding that key start. "Now, there's no overriding that," said Steve Perkins, general manager for the Russ Darrow Kia of Wauwatosa dealership.

Perkins said they are expecting about 300 Kia owners to come to 2500 N. Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa, where the clinic is based, to get the upgrade.

Kias eligible for this upgrade are models between the years 2012 to 2020.

Milwaukee police said so far this year, they've marked almost 1,300 Kias as stolen.

From Sept. 24 to Oct. 17, Milwaukee police said 14 cars, including Kias, were stolen from a parking garage at the Potawatomi casino.

The clinic will be open from Oct. 20-22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To find out if you're eligible for an upgrade or a steering wheel lock, click here.