Vin Etching

Through a grant provided by the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), the SDBA hosts various Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching events throughout the year. Additionally, the grant also specifies that the SDBA discuss auto theft prevention at 24 public meetings, distribute 6,000 pieces of literature, and publish 24 articles.

The reality behind this program is simple: An automobile is stolen every 31 seconds in the U.S. and a total of $7.4 billion in cars are stolen annually. Most stolen cars end up at chop shops, where they easily dismantled and sold in parts. Something as simple as having an automobile's VIN sketched is a proven method to discourage theft. Furthermore, VIN etching may qualify automobile owners for a discount on the comprehensive coverage of their auto insurance premium.

The SDBA also collects information about chop shop operations, suspicious garages, and/or abandoned vehicles in neighborhoods. To report one anonymously, call 1-800- 242-HEAT (habla espanol) or contact Matthew Bihun/SDBA Community Policing at 313.842.0986, ext.29.