The Arlington County Police Department is inviting residents to attend a free auto theft deterrence event on Saturday, November 8, 2008. At the event, car and motorcycle owners can have their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into their exterior windows or security decals applied to their motorcycles. It’s a quick, simple process that can reduce the chances of theft, or in the event of a theft, increase the likelihood the vehicle will be recovered.

VIN etching does not affect the appearance of the vehicle. Trained etchers chemically engrave the VIN onto the main windows, or motorcycle fairing, in inconspicuous locations.

A VIN-etched vehicle is harder to conceal when stolen, thus making it less attractive to car thieves. VIN etching also virtually eliminates any potential profit professional thieves might get from selling windows, windshields, and motorcycle parts through chop shops. As a result, some insurance companies offer discounts to the owners of VIN-etched vehicles.

This event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, 3901 Cathedral Lane, Arlington County, Virginia 22204.  It is being provided FREE of charge by the Arlington County Police Department and the Virginia State Police HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) Program.

A similar event in May 2008 was very successful.  Police etched VIN numbers on the windows of nearly 60 vehicles.  VIN etching is just one of the methods used by Arlington’s Auto Theft Unit to reduce auto theft in the County.  Over the last decade, vehicle thefts have declined by almost 72 percent, and fewer cars were stolen in Arlington last year than in any year since 1962.