Newton holds 'VIN Etching Day' to curb car thefts

By Derek McLean, Town Correspondent

To help curb car thefts, Newton will hold a “VIN Etching Day” next month. The glass etching process uses a mild acid to mark a vehicle’s identification number on all windows, sunroofs and T-tops.

“Vin Etching Day” is conducted by the Newton Police Department in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police and the Governor’s Auto Theft Strike Force.

The Event will take place at the Newton Police Department Garage, 1321 (rear) Washington Street on Saturday Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. It is open to both residents and nonresidents.

Newton announced in June that there were 125 vehicle break-ins from January 1st through May 28th.

According to a press release from the Newton Police Department will conduct auto glass etching which uses a mild acid to mark a vehicle’s identification number (VIN) on all of its windows, sunroofs and T-tops. he process will not deface the vehicle in any way.

The press release said the VIN Etching makes the vehicle less attractive to car thieves, since they would need to replace all the windows of a the car, to erase all trace’s of the vehicle’s VIN.

There is a $10 fee (cash only) for the “Vin Etching”. Attendees do not need to be the owner of the car, but need the valid registration and a valid driver’s license.

The process takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. No appointment is necessary.

Participants will receive a certificate that may entitle them to a discount on their comprehensive auto insurance. Check with your auto insurance company.

For more information contact Edward Boudreau, Newton Police Department Captain, at (617) 796- 2146.

Derek McLean can be reached at dbmclean1@gmail.com.