Free Vehicle VIN Etching in Delaware

30 April 1999

          Vehicle Identification Numbers Etched onto Vehicle Windows
                        As a Means of Theft Prevention

    MEDIA, Pa., April 29 -- The Automobile Theft Prevention
Authority (ATPA) along with the District Attorney, police departments and
insurance companies will be holding a free VIN etching event on Saturday,
May 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Granite Run Mall, west of Media on
Route 1.
    This is the first VIN etching in Delaware County.  VIN etching is a proven
theft deterrent, where the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is etched on to
all the vehicle windows.  Would-be thieves resist stealing a vehicle that is
VIN-etched because that vehicle is more easily identified and, if stolen, all
glass must be replaced in order to remove traces of the VIN.
    This is a free service provided by Delaware County law enforcement and the
ATPA.  ATPA staff, police officers, and volunteers from Allstate, State Farm
and Nationwide Insurance Companies will etch the VIN on the first 400
vehicles. The ATPA encourages you to spend some time with them on Saturday
morning to help protect your vehicle.
    Pre-event questions should be directed to ATPA Executive Director Roy
Miller, at 717-975-9074.
    On the Web:  http://www.helpstopfraud.org