With auto thefts rising across the Front Range, Brighton police want to help their residents protect themselves.

The Brighton Police Department is hosting an Auto Theft Prevention Drive-Thru event with the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority on  March 25, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., in the Brighton Police Department parking lot,  3401 E. Bromley Lane.

"Our records show we had 439 motor vehicle thefts in the City of Brighton from January 1, 2022, to March 7, 2023," said Kylynn Delohery, Brighton Police Department public information officer.

Brighton residents who come will receive a free steering wheel lock, a catalytic converter etching kit, and theft prevention plate screws. Residents will be required to pre-register due to the limited supply according to officials.

The link to register is on the Brighton Police Department website and social media platforms. Brighton, residents must show proof of residency with a VIN number and home address to register. 

The Auto Theft Prevention Authority provides a list of auto theft prevention tips for victims of auto theft, to never leave your car running unattended and to lock your doors every single time,. The recommend parking in well-lit areas, not keeping spare keys in the car. They also suggest either removing all valuables from the car or keeping them hidden from view or in the trunk.

The authority also recommends buying car insurance that covers stolen vehicles and stolen components like Catalytic Converters. They offer a self-risk assessment using lockdownyourcar.org and assess how vulnerable your car may be to theft and say that vehicle security or alarm systems or other theft prevention devices such as steering wheel locks, parking boots, and kill switches can help.