Fresno County HEAT task force giving away anti-auto theft devices at Cherry Auction

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- In an effort to reduce auto theft in Fresno County, the auto theft task force (H.E.A.T.) announced Wednesday they'll be handing out club steering wheel locks this weekend.

Officers from the California Highway Patrol and the Fresno County Sheriff's Office will give away the free wheel locks Saturday morning from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Cherry Auction.

Officials say Fresno ranked ninth nationally in auto theft last year. They say that's a 22-percent decrease from the year before, but say being in the top 10 isn't ideal.

They say the locks, which can also be a visual deterrent for thieves, are a great step toward preventing auto theft and other crimes that can be committed with stolen cars.

"Every time a car is taken in Fresno County, someone's life is turned upside down," said Robert Veneman-Hughes with the Fresno County District Attorney's Office. "That's a vehicle they use to get to work, to pick their kids up, to go to medical appointments, and each and every time one of those cars is taken all of those things can't happen."

July is national Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.