VIN ETCHING THIS WEEKEND HOSTED BY CPD

The Clarkstown Police Department we will hold a Vehicle Identification Number [VIN]-etching program on Saturday June 25, 2016 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the back lot of the police headquarters. There is no appointment necessary to attend.

CPD explained that VIN-etching uses a variety of methods, commonly a stencil and an acidic etching paste, to engrave a vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the windshield and windows. Most parts on a vehicle already have at least a partial VIN stamped onto them, and many auto parts buyers will not purchase parts that carry identification numbers. Should a thief try to sell the parts from a vehicle for profit, those marked parts carry a higher risk for both the thief and the auto parts seller. Since automotive glass generally have no identification numbers, and are often interchangeable between many different years and models of vehicle, there is usually a much greater profit for the thief compared to other components on the vehicle. If a car’s windows are stamped with the VIN, thieves would need to discard the glass before parting out the stolen vehicle, thus reducing or eliminating their profit. VIN etching can also increase the odds of recovery of a stolen car by police.