Crime & Safety
Free VIN Etching April 13 In Prince William County
A good way to prevent auto theft is headed your way April 13 at the Shops at Signal Hill, where police will perform free window etching.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA—Although some car thieves aren't particularly savvy, most professional car thieves certainly are, and then some. And chances are, if those in the latter category see a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) specially etched on a vehicle's windows, they will look elsewhere for a vehicle to steal.
Toward that end, Manassas Police and Prince William County Police, in conjunction with the Virginia State Police, will hold a free VIN etching session 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 13 at the Shops at Signal Hill, 9692 Liberia Avenue. It will include every window on your vehicle.
According to police, VIN etching "obliterates" potential profits may get from selling windows and windshields to so-called chop shops. That's because the VIN is permanently etched into glass with a chemical solution. The windows would have to be stripped and replaced before such a sale could be completed.
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The offer is open to people with a valid driver's license and current registration. Click here for a form to fill out beforehand.
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