DMV News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 3, 2011
Auto Theft Prevention Event Planned at Main DMV Office
VIN-Etching on Window Deters Vehicle Thieves
RICHMOND - To help protect one of your most valuable investments, your vehicle, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Virginia State Police and Richmond Police Department are offering customers free VIN-etching on Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the customer parking lot in front of DMV Richmond headquarters building, 2300 West Broad Street.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etching is a simple way to deter automobile thieves without altering the look of your vehicle. Numbers are permanently etched with a chemical solution into the vehicle's window glass. The etching is a deterrent to potential thieves since disposing of a vehicle with etched windows may take more time and money. Potentially, the windows of stolen VIN-etched vehicles would need to be stripped and replaced before a thief could attempt to sell or dispose of the car or its parts. VIN etching also deters the practice of selling windows and windshields for parts. VIN Etching is recommended by law enforcement as a proven effective deterrent to theft. Often insurers provide discounted rates for vehicles that have been VIN etched. To get your vehicle etched, you need to show proof of vehicle ownership.
The VIN etching program is part of Help Eliminate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) program which offers a 24/7 toll-free number, 1-800-947-HEAT (4328) for citizens to report information concerning the theft of vehicles, vehicle parts or chop shop operations. Callers remain anonymous throughout the process and tips leading to arrests are eligible for rewards of up to $25,000.
DMV 2 Go will also be onsite during Saturday's event. The handicapped-accessible full service office-on-wheels can process all DMV transactions including driver's licenses and ID card renewals, title and registrations, disabled parking placards, and more. DMV 2 Go will serve customer until the event ends a 2:00 p.m., after the headquarters DMV customer service center closes for the day at noon.
