• Originally published July 20, 2008 at 11:53 p.m., updated July 20, 2008 at 11:53 p.m.

Q: What is VIN etching and how can it help protect my car from being stolen?

A: VIN etching is part of the Victoria Police Department’s H.E.A.T Program to help eliminate car theft. Every vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle Identification Number plate on the dashboard. 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 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).

The Victoria Police Department will VIN etch on Thursday afternoons from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. but you will need to make an appointment by calling 361-485-3808. You will also need to bring your Texas Driver License and a current insurance card.

For more information concerning HEAT and VIN etching, contact Crime Prevention Officer Sherry Hornstein, with Victoria Police Department – Community Services Division at 361-485-3808.

Q: I am appalled at the number of people who sweep, rake, or blow their yard “trash” into our streets. Last week in our neighborhood, one of our neighbors started at the front of his house and blew all the leaves into the street. Tell me if I’m wrong, but isn’t there a fine for this? This is happening on our public city streets also. The professional landscape companies who manicure our businesses are doing this too.

A: Yes, it is illegal to blow any grass, yard clippings or other refuse onto the streets. Section 10-29 of the city code expressly prohibits discarding yard waste onto street. The code reads, “It shall be unlawful for any person to discard leaves, grass, weeds, or other vegetable matter by blowing or sweeping or otherwise depositing said items into a street or gutter of the city.”

A fine can be levied for breaking the ordinance, but the City’s approach is to educate both commercial landscapers and residents of this ordinance. Leaves and grass clippings can clog the storm sewer during heavy rains like we had last year and cause major flooding problems. In our legal system, someone must witness the violation and they must be willing to testify about what they saw. Our environmental inspectors do contact commercial landscape companies about this ordinance every year and we also try to remind residents about it too.

Q:. Are drivers required to use turn signals in traffic?

A:Yes. A driver is required to use the turn signal to indicate a turn, a lane change or to enter traffic from a parked position. A driver in traffic turning left or right is required to use the turn signal at least 100 feet prior to making the turn. Remember that using the turn signal is safer for both the driver and surrounding traffic.

Q:Is a building permit required for eight-by-ten foot storage shed that I want to put in my backyard?

A: No. A building permit is not required for any residential structure that is less than 200 square feet. You do need to anchor the building, however.

If you are going to place a storage building on your property, it is always a good idea to check with our Building and Permit Department at 700 Main Center. They can help you keep the storage shed away from the property lines and utility easements, and make sure it is not in the hundred year floodplain.

For more information about City permits, call 485-3320.

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