The Los Angeles Police Department and Hyundai are partnering to host a free anti-theft event this weekend so drivers can receive an important software update to help prevent vehicle thefts.

The software update is needed for select trim levels of all Hyundai models from 2011 to 2021.

Hyundai and Kia vehicles became the targets of thieves following a viral social media trend in which step-by-step instructions were provided to demonstrate how to steal them.

The “Kia Challenge” showed viewers how to “bypass the vehicles’ security features, dismantle their steering columns and create direct access to their ignitions,” Hyundai said. The videos challenged others to recreate and share proof of the thefts.

Thefts were so rampant that some Hyundai and Kia drivers were dropped from their auto insurance providers.

Vehicles susceptible to the thefts are Hyundai vehicles without push-button ignitions and “immobilizing anti-theft devices.” Hyundai estimates about 4 million vehicles, primarily base trim models, were vulnerable to these thefts.

Both automakers have rolled out security updates and have urged owners to take their vehicles in to a dealership to have it installed.

Still, both makes remain heavily targeted by thieves.

Earlier this week, KTLA and Crosstown reported that reports of stolen vehicles were skyrocketing in the San Fernando Valley. Kia and Hyundai vehicles had the highest number of thefts.

Hyundai officials are urging drivers to get their vehicle into the dealer or find a free update clinic.

This weekend’s event is taking place at Eagle Rock Plaza at 2828 Colorado Blvd. The update will be installed by specially trained Hyundai technicians and will take about 30 minutes to complete.

Drivers can receive the software update free of charge on either Friday or Saturday from 8 a.m to 6 p.m., or Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointments are needed, officials said.

In addition to the update, the LAPD will be giving away free steering wheel locks to all Hyundai drivers. Steering wheel locks are anti-theft devices meant to make a vehicle inoperable by locking the steering wheel in place and can only be opened with a specific key.

For more information about the Hyundai software update and where to find a clinic, click here.

A driver who led officers on a pursuit through Santa Monica and into West Los Angeles Friday morning was taken into custody after crashing head-on into multiple vehicles on the 405 Freeway.

Sky5 was over the pursuit on Santa Monica Boulevard shortly after 5 a.m. where the driver was being followed by officers.

Video showed the driver attempting to ram patrol vehicles and then leaning out the window of the van and shouting at officers.

At one point the van turned around and chased one of the patrol vehicles down the street in an attempt to crash into it.

“This is nuts. She’s chasing a black and white. She’s got a couple of other cars behind her … Look at this. This is just craziness,” Sky5 reporter Mike Case said.

Police have not confirmed if the suspect is male or female but said the driver was wanted for assault with a deadly weapon.

Police attempted several pit maneuvers on the northbound 405 Freeway but were unsuccessful.

The driver then began driving in the wrong direction on the freeway and crashed head-on into another vehicle but that still did not stop the van.

The driver continued on and drove at full speed, and again slammed head-on into multiple vehicles that were stopped on the freeway.

The collision left at least one vehicle badly damaged and caused the van to finally become disabled.

The suspect exited the van, climbed on top of a big rig and sat on the hood until being taken into custody by officers.

At least two officers were injured and hospitalized in unknown condition during the incident.

It was unclear how many motorists were injured in the collisions.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

Security video captured two men ransacking a Target in Orange County and escaping with nearly $1,200 worth of merchandise. 

The theft happened at a Target store located on the 13200 block of Jamboree Road in Irvine, according to police.

Surveillance video captured the men entering the store and heading directly to the baby care section.

They began quickly grabbing the merchandise off display shelves. One man stuffed items into a plastic bag while the other grabbed a box and whatever else he could hold.

They were seen sprinting towards the store’s exit, running through a line of other customers who looked on in surprise.

Irvine police said the men escaped with around $1,200 worth of breast pumps. They left the area before officers could arrive.

Detectives said the duo are linked to similar thefts throughout Southern California. Police have released images of the suspects, hoping the public may recognize them.

Anyone who may recognize the pair or has additional information is asked to email mricci@cityofirvine.org.

Footage of the theft can be viewed in the video player above.