From staff reports
October 14, 2006 03:06 pm
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Local residents have a free opportunity coming up to decrease the chances that their vehicle — or parts of it — will be taken by thieves.
On Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at Cabela’s in Buda, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and Combined Auto Theft Task Force will provide free Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etchings.
“It’s a quick, simple process that can reduce the chance of auto theft,” said Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Leroy Opiela. “Each vehicle has a unique, federally assigned VIN,” Opiela said. “Thieves are less likely to steal a car if it has it 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.”
The etchings will be done by trained chemical etchers and are engraved in inconspicuous locations. “It doesn’t affect the appearance of the vehicle,” Opiela said. He added that some, but not all, insurance companies offer a discount on theft insurance to owners of VIN-etched vehicles.
There is no charge for the service and no appointment needed; however proof of insurance will be required.
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