Hey guys, just wanted to pass this along.

Don't know how car theft is in all your states, but I know none of you want you new IS stolen so take a look at this...


"Your car's vehicle identification number is like your car's thumbprint. And thieves want to remove all of these traces. A car that can be traced is not very desirable to chop shops.

You can have the VIN number etched on the windows of the car or other parts. (Thieves won't replace the windows) Some insurance companies and local police departments offer free VIN etchings. Cars that have been VIN etched have a 64 percent lower theft rate than non-etched cars. And a VIN etched car has a more than an 85 percent chance of recovery if it is stolen, according to StolenCarReport.com."

Don't know how this will make the car look in turns of fashion and appeal, but a good point none the less!

 

Is there a website that can provide info on which insurance companies and police departments would do this? I'd love to give it a try...

 

Thanks Tdog for the info. My vehicle is completely etched. And before they used to do it, I did it myself with those cheesy DIY kits.

But....I think just about everyone here knows all about window etching and it's "crime deterrent" effects LOL...thanks for the tip anyway.

 

did not your dealership offer this service to you at a high price? aaa does it.

 

No, unfortuantely it didnt say anything about which companies or police departments would, I guess you'd just have to call around and ask.

 

O well ok, I didnt know about it (that some insurance companies and police do it for free)

 

i dont see how having it on the windows will deter thieves, can someone enlighten me

 

In theory, they will assume many other parts on the car have the etching as well and will move on.

 

http://www.vinguard.org/protect.htm

I've never know any thieves to replace windows after they swipe your car but who knows I guess. And I can't imagine a thief failing to steal your easily stolen ride because there's window etching which he probably can't see at the time of theft anyway. All I know is window etching is a big business.

 

You can only etch glass though. Unless it is a joyride, most thieves are after the electronics and airbags.

 

The IS has the VIN on virtually every panel and major part. Lexus uses DataDot technology.

http://www.datadotdna.com/images/pre...us_vindots.pdf

Lexus will standard fit DataDot Technology on their complete range of cars, from January 2005. Making this a total of 10 vehicle manufacturers who have now adopted the technology.

 

i see the picture on the link but what is a etch?

is it a engraving? sticker? or some kind of ink that stains your windows with the vin?

 

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=etch

 

thanks....

 

http://www.vinguard.org/doity.htm