Free Vehicle VINgraving Offered in Reading

Etching your vehicle identification number on all the auto glass makes it less likely to be stolen.

READING, Pa., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pa. Auto Theft Prevention Authority will co-sponsor a free VIN etching event, held by the Reading City Police Department, Muhlenberg Township Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police Central Auto Theft Task Force on Saturday, September 29, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Open to the public, the event will be held at the Fairgrounds Square Mall in Muhlenberg Township, Pa.

VINgraving is a proven theft deterrent, where the Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN) is chemically etched on to all the vehicle's windows. Would-be thieves resist stealing a vehicle that is VINgraved because that vehicle is more easily identified and, if stolen, all of the costly glass must be replaced in order to remove traces of the VIN.

This is a free service provided by the Pa. Auto Theft Prevention Authority. Weather permitting, members from the Authority and law enforcement will etch vehicles until 2:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no rain date. The Authority encourages vehicle owners to spend some time on Saturday to take this step to help protect their vehicles.

For more information about auto theft in Pennsylvania and 50 tips to prevent your vehicle from theft, visit www.watchyourcar.org.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Pre-event questions about the Authority may be directed to Mark Kandrysawtz at 717-443-1025.