Full Notification

Vehicle IdentificationNumber
Etching Program
Saturday,
October 27th, 2012
From
9am to 2pm
At
Boxborough Fire station-502 Massachusetts Ave. Boxborough, Mass.

The Boxborough Police Department, in conjunction with the Governors Auto Theft Strike Force, a unit of the Massachusetts State Police, will be sponsoring a VIN Etching program on Saturday, October 27th, 2012 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Boxborough Fire station at 502 Massachusetts Ave. in Boxborough (exit 28 off of I-495).

The glass etching entails chemically etching the cars’ vehicle identification number on all windows including sunroofs and T-Tops. The etching will enable the vehicle owner to receive a discount of 15% or more on their comprehensive auto insurance. You will be given a certificate to give to your insurance company. There is a one-time charge of $10 (cash only) for the etching which covers the Governors Auto Theft Strike Forces expense for the program. You do not have to be the owner of the vehicle to have the car etched. However, you must have the vehicle’s valid registration in order to participate in the program. The entire process should take only 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish. No appointment is necessary. Etching will be done on a first-come first-served basis. You do not have to be a Boxborough resident to participate. For more information, please call Program Coordinator Pamela Surette, of the Governors Auto Theft Strike Force, at 781-393-1201.
What is “VIN” Etching?

VIN Etching is a chemical process where your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is permanently etched into the window glass of your car.

Why should you do it?
By permanently etching the VIN into the window glass, your vehicle is less likely to be stolen and the VIN can assist in the recovery if it is stolen. A warning label is applied inside the drivers’ window, alerting would be thieves that the “Vehicle has been marked for identification purposes by the Governors Auto Theft Strike Force.”

Why is it effective?
The moment your vehicle is reported stolen, its Federally Registered Identification –the VIN- becomes the mark of the stolen vehicle. Thieves are less likely to risk the theft of an easily identifiable vehicle, nor are they willing to spend the necessary time, effort and money to replace VIN marked windows which have been etched.

How do you benefit?
With the permanent VIN marking on your vehicle, you are less likely to suffer the financial loss and aggravation that accompanies the loss of your car
to a professional thief. Most auto insurers are so certain that VIN etching will lower the chance of theft and save them money that they offer a discount of 15% or more on your comprehensive insurance.

How much does it cost?
A $10.00 fee (cash only) is charged to the customer to offset the cost of supplies and equipment used in etching a vehicle.

For additional information,
Please call Pamela Surette, Program Coordinator of the Governors Auto Theft Strike Force, at 781-393-1201.

Make your car unwanted to thieves