Police offer program to deter auto theft

The Lehigh University Police Department is sponsoring a vehicle VIN-Etching Program to help deter vehicle theft from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Jordan Hall Parking Lot, Mountaintop Campus.
It takes an experienced thief less than one minute to break in and steal your vehicle. According to recent data, a vehicle is stolen every 20 seconds and more than one-third will never be recovered. Stolen vehicles are sold “complete” or taken to “chop shops” to be dismantled and parts sold.
The Lehigh University Police Department is sponsoring the vehicle VIN-Etching Program for the University community. This program stops thieves by stopping their reasons for wanting your car. If a thief can’t change the identity of your car, it would be harder and more costly for him to sell it. It’s far easier to simply steal another vehicle that doesn’t have its windows marked. The vehicle VIN Etching Program etches the VIN number onto each window of your vehicle, making it less desirable to a thief. Police also have a greater chance at recovering your vehicle if the windows are etched.
Your vehicle's VIN number is printed on a label and placed on the vehicle window. A chemical is used to permanently etch the number into the window. The etching will not detract from the appearance of your vehicle. The program will be administered to interested members of the university community, free of charge.
For more information on the Vehicle VIN-Etching Program, or any other program offered by the Lehigh University Police Department, e-mail Chief Edward Shupp or call him (610)758-4200.