By Steven Symes 
With car theft still very much a problem, some vehicle owners are VIN etching their windows. You might have heard of this technique and have questions about what it is and how effective it might be.
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VIN etching entails having a professional use chemicals to etch your car’s VIN on all the windows. Some people have it done to their windshield and back window as well. It can act as a deterrent to thieves who are looking to VIN swap cars and resell them.
Because the VIN is present on each window, theft rings would have to swap out all the glass as well as the dash and driver’s doorjamb VIN tags before trying to sell your vehicle to an unsuspecting victim.
If a thief sees that obstacle is on a car, he might pass it over and try stealing a vehicle without the VINs etched into the windows.
Today, our #CrimePrevention Officer did conduct a successful VIN ETCHING for a member of our community. VIN ETCHING is a FREE program where the VIN number is etched on all the glass windows. To schedule, call/text 917-825-9804.#nypdconnecting#nypdprotecting#saferbensonhurst pic.twitter.com/g01PTrP2rK
— NYPD 62nd Precinct (@NYPD62Pct) November 9, 2020
While VIN etching won’t guarantee your ride isn’t stolen, it has proven effective as theft prevention so much that many law enforcement agencies and other organizations focused on combatting car theft recommend it.
What’s even better is VIN etching is a quick and cheap process. You just need to be able to prove the vehicle belongs to you before most shops will perform the service. There are do-it-yourself kits that are super cheap, but you’d need to be confident in your skills to even consider that option.
Sometimes, local police departments will even hold VIN etching activities where you can have the service done for free. After all, cops are tired of dealing with so many vehicle thefts.
Thieves might decide swapping out all the glass in your car is worth the cost and effort, but that’s unlikely if they can find other vehicles with clean glass.
Image via anonymous/Facebook