FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2006

CONTACT: Mark Coyle, 623.930.3060
Public Information Office

Glendale Police To Host VIN Etching Event Saturday

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Glendale Police Department will be conducting a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etching event from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 4. It will take place in the parking lot outside the Glendale Adult Center at 5970 W. Brown Street.

VIN etching is the process of permanently etching a vehicle’s 17-digit VIN number on each window. When a vehicle is stolen the thief must change the identity of the vehicle by changing the VIN plate on the dashboard. With a new VIN plate in place, the thief has a new vehicle but an etched vehicle forces the thief to replace each window. That extra work, and expense, for the thief may prevent your vehicle from being stolen. According to the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, a vehicle theft occurs in the state every 9 minutes and 42 seconds.

The process of VIN etching is free to the public and takes about 10 minutes per vehicle. Vehicle owners must show proof of ownership, current registration and complete a consent form provided by the police department.

Media is welcome to attend.