Drivers looking to stay a step ahead of car thieves can get the vehicle identification number etched onto their vehicle windows for free on Thursday at an event sponsored by AAA in Pleasant Hills.
The local chapter of the Automobile Association of America will have a technician on hand from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. who will use an acid-based solution in a customized stencil to permanently mark a vehicle’s VIN on all the windows to help make it a less likely target for thieves.
The solution lightly marks the top layers of glass but does not weaken the windows, according to auto club officials.
Many thieves and so-called “chop shops” that tear down stolen vehicles to sell for parts are wary of vehicles that have VIN-etchings because they are less profitable to sell, according to AAA.
The profits from the sale are significantly reduced because the windows have to be replaced — or the numbers changed illegally — before they can be sold, auto club officials said.
The free service is being offered at the AAA office located at 9 Clairton Boulevard.
