An upcoming event may help county residents scare off automotive thieves.
A free VIN etching event is being held at Signal Hill Shopping Center in Manassas on Saturday.
The Prince William County and Manassas police departments, and the Virginia State Police’s H.E.A.T. Program are sponsoring the event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Vehicles are assigned a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Ensuring that a vehicle’s windows are marked with its identification number can deter thieves, according to a release.
In the etching process, a chemical solution is used to permanently mark the glass.
It is difficult and time consuming for automotive thieves to get rid of a stolen VIN-etched vehicle, which must have its windows stripped and replaced.
Thieves are also unable to sell windows and windshields that have identification numbers.
Community members interested in participating in the VIN etching event must bring a valid driver’s license and their vehicle’s registration.
Only those who are listed on the registration can authorize a VIN etching.
To learn more information about the event, contact Prince William County Police Crime Prevention Specialist Jason Alicie at 703-792-4425, or Manassas City Police Public Information Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist Sarah Maroney at 703-257-8064.
