THE IPSWICH POLICE AND THE GOVERNOR'S AUTO THEFT STRIKE FORCE WILL HOLD A "VIN ETCHING DAY" IN A JOINT EFFORT TO REDUCE AUTO THEFT.
 

The VIN etching program is being sponsored by the Massachusetts State Police and the Ipswich Police Department. The purpose will be to mark the glass of automobiles with the vehicle identification number (VIN) to make them "unwanted" by thieves. The event will be held at the Ipswich Fire Station, 55 Central Street on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Auto Glass etching entails chemically marking the automobile with its own unique vehicle identification number (VIN) on all windows, including sunroofs, and T-tops. The chemical process of etching involves using a mild acid that reacts with the glass. Etching all the glass windows of the vehicle makes the vehicle less appealing to car thieves. The actual etching is small and does not deface the windows but is quickly noticed by a potential car thief.

Car owners will be given a certificate to give to their insurance company, which may entitle them to receive a discount of up to 15% on their comprehensive auto insurance. The fee for the VIN etching is ten dollars ($10.00) cash per vehicle to defray the cost. Most vehicle owners will realize the value of participating in the etching program when they receive the discount from their insurance company. You do not have to be the owner of the vehicle to have the car etched. However, you must present a valid registration for the vehicle at the time of the etching. The entire process should only take 10-15 minutes once started. No appointment is necessary. Etching will be done on a first come first served basis. You do not have to be a resident of Ipswich to participate in the program. For more information you can call Officer Matthew Bodwell at the Ipswich Police Department at 978-356-4343.