AMESBURY — The town is not the car-theft capital of the United States, but the Police Department is helping to keep the community's vehicles safe.
On Oct. 18, the Amesbury Police Department in conjunction with the Governor's Auto Theft Strike Force, a unit of the Massachusetts State Police, will host a Auto Glass Etching Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Auto Glass Etching aims to deter car thieves from stealing your vehicle. A small etching of your vehicle identification number on each window makes it easier for police to identify a stolen car.
"Amesbury does not have a high car-theft rate," officer Tom Hanshaw said. "But people are going on vacation and driving out of town to work, where it may not be as safe."
Many stolen cars do not end up on the side of the road or taken out for a joyride but are broken down and used for parts in a chop shop. The glass etching makes it more difficult for thieves to reassemble a car when a vehicle's registration does not match the VIN number on the window, Hanshaw said.
The Amesbury Police Department has offered Auto Glass Etching Day five times in the past 10 years, and Hanshaw said that each year the numbers keep growing. Last year, the department serviced nearly 50 cars on Columbus Day weekend.
"Many people were on vacation, but a good amount of cars still came in," Hanshaw said.
Some insurance companies recognize the etching as a sure fire deterrent by offering 15 percent off comprehensive auto insurance if your vehicle's windows have the etching.
"In this day and age, with the economy faltering, it adds up to save even a little," Hanshaw said. "And it's about safety."
If you go
What: Auto Glass Etching Day
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine)
Where: Amesbury police parking lot, between Amesbury Town Hall and the police station on School Street
Who: Open to residents and nonresidents
Bring: A valid vehicle registration
Cost: $10 per vehicle
