Free vehicle anti-theft program offered by Auto Club, VENCATT, NICB
April 08, 2016
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
You might not know that California is the state with the most stolen cars but you can help prevent your vehicle from becoming a statistic by taking advantage of a free anti-theft program.
On Wednesday, April 13 the Automobile Club of Southern California, the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VENCATT) and National Insurance Crime Bureau will etch the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on vehicle windows for free as a theft deterrent.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Auto Club Camarillo branch in Camarillo Village Square, 2570 Las Posas Road.
You don’t have to be a member of the Auto Club to receive the free VIN etching on vehicle windows, which makes them a less likely target of car theft.
Although the VIN window etchings are small, they are visible enough to deter thieves — and the etching cannot be removed.
The Auto Club, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and VENCATT — made up of the California Highway Patrol, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and Ventura Police Department — are co-hosting the event and will also offer theft prevention and vehicle burglary tips to car owners.
The number one property crime in America is car theft, but law-enforcement officials say the permanent engraving of a vehicle’s federally registered VIN etching helps deter car theft.
The reason? Thieves cannot sell VIN-etched car parts as easily. Older vehicles are stolen primarily for their parts value while newer, high-end vehicles often are shipped out of the country or, after disguising the VIN identity of the car, sold to an unknowing buyer locally.
Juveniles and adults sometimes take cars for “joyrides” and the vehicle is later abandoned.
The Auto Club and local law enforcement’s tips to prevent vehicle burglary and theft include: Always lock your vehicle with the windows closed; never leave valuables inside the car, especially not in clear view, including small electronics, wallets, check books, personal and financial paperwork or any personal identification.
Bring electronics and personal items into your home or office whenever possible.
Use an anti-theft or automatic tracking devices…if your vehicle wasn’t equipped with an alarm or hidden tracking device when purchased, have one installed.
Never leave your keys in your vehicle, even at a gas station; even when using the gas station consider locking your car to deter theft of personal property from the opposite side of the vehicle while your back is turned.
Park your vehicle in a well-lit area at night when not at home.
Never hide a spare ignition key in your vehicle, including under floor mats, sun visor, etc.
Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a secure garage.
Never leave the vehicle running at any time when you’re not in it; this includes your driveway, while picking up friends, while at a grocery store, or shopping mall. Do not “warm your engine up” in the morning by letting your empty car run…car engines do not need to warm up.
