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City Leaders Hope Wheel Locks Will Combat Auto Theft

St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa.
(UPI file)
St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa.

By Matt Sepic, KWMU

St. Louis – North St. Louis residents will soon be able to purchase discounted steering wheel locks.

Police Chief Joe Mokwa says the program is part of the city's crackdown on auto theft.

"What we intend to do is provide the Clubs available to the community at different community forums and fairs," Mokwa said. "Although Clubs generally cost about $40, we will actually purchase them at a discount, and sell them at a greater discount."

An insurance company has given the city $5,000 dollars to purchase the locks.

A similar program has been in place for about a year on the south side.

Mokwa says officers have arrested nearly 500 suspected auto thieves since a special police task force was formed last summer.

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