Arlington Police to hold free anti-car theft event
VIN etching reduces risk of vehicle theft, may provide insurance discount

ARLINGTON, VA

The Arlington County Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit is sponsoring an anti-car theft event at Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd St. South on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the event, experts from Virginia’s Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) program will offer Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching, a quick, simple process that can reduce the chances of auto theft.

Each vehicle has a unique, federally assigned VIN. Thieves are less likely to steal a car that has its VIN chemically etched into its windows. A VIN-etched vehicle is harder to get rid of, and thus is a less attractive target for car thieves. VIN etching also virtually obliterates any potential profit professional thieves might get from selling windows and windshields for parts via chop shops.

VIN etching is a quick, simple process that does not effect the appearance of the vehicle. Trained etchers chemically engrave the VIN onto the main windows of the vehicle in inconspicuous locations. Some insurance companies offer a discount on theft insurance to owners of VIN-etched vehicles.

Tomorrow’s event is being provided free of charge by the Arlington County Police Department and Virginia HEAT.