• Originally published July 18, 2008 at 7:33 p.m., updated July 18, 2008 at 7:33 p.m.

What is VIN etching?

Every vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle Identification Number plate on the dash board. These plates can and are being replaced with a new plate by thieves. By etching all the windows on a vehicle with the VIN, the thief then has to replace and dispose marked glass. Disposing of over 100 lbs. of marked glass is a thief’s worst nightmare! The thief sees the etching and then moves to an easier vehicle.

Etching may also increase the resale value of your vehicle. In some instances, VIN Etching will entitle you to a reduction on your insurance (check with your insurance agent).

You will need to make an appointment with the Victoria Police Dept at 361-485-3808. While getting your vehicle etched you might also want to sign up for the H.E.A.T. program.

What is H.E.A.T.?

H.E.A.T. (Help End Auto Theft) is a statewide vehicle registration program sponsored by the Texas Department of Public Safety that assist law enforcement officials identify stolen vehicles.

Any vehicle owner in Texas can register their vehicle and obtain decals for his/her car or truck. These decals authorize law enforcement officers to stop the vehicle and verify ownership between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. anywhere in Texas.

Why register? In Texas, a car is stolen every 5-1/2 minutes. Most of these vehicles are stolen between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. In 2005, more than 93,000 vehicles were stolen in Texas. By enrolling your vehicle, you make it harder for a thief to drive away in your car.

To register in the H.E.A.T program, you won’t need to make an appointment, just drop by any day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The H.E.A.T. registration takes approximately 10 minutes.

You will need to bring your Texas Driver’s License and a current insurance card to participant in the HEAT or VIN Etching project (YOU MUST BE THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE). You can do both programs or you can just do one. For more information or to make appointment, Victoria Police Department Community Services Division at 361-485-3808.

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