Phoenix, Arizona achieved #4 in the list of top 10 cities with the highest vehicle theft! (2004 National Insurance Crime Bureau [NICB)

In 2002, Arizona had the highest car theft rate in the United States, with the vast majority occurring in Maricopa and Pima Counties. According to the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA), "a vehicle theft occurs every nine minutes and 16 seconds." This causes an estimated economic loss of $3.7M to residents of Arizona in 2002 alone.

Consumers can help deter theft by etching their auto glass with traceable numbers. This procedure is highly recommended by the NICB, police departments and insurance companies for effectiveness. Although vehicle manufacturers mark some parts, it's not enough. By permanently installing visible VIN and serial numbers into a vehicle's glass, it can greatly reduce auto theft and aid in recovery.

Consumers can visit your local auto dealership or window tinting/glass repair facility; or they can do it themselves with an etching kit found on many different websites. In addition to glass etching, the NICB also recommends other popular visible or audible devices such as audible alarms, steering-column collars and locks, wheel locks, theft-deterrent decals and ID markers on the car.

Auto glass etching entails chemically marking the automobile with its own unique vehicle identification number (VIN) on all windows, including sunroofs and T¬-Tops. The chemical process of etching involves using a mild acid that reacts only to the glass. Etching all the glass windows makes the vehicles less wanted by car thieves. The actual etching is small and does not mark or deface the window, but is one of the first details most car thieves see before attempting to steal a vehicle.

The recommended areas to be etched include the following:

• Front Windshield - drivers side in lower corner by factory VIN number.
• Side Windows - lower corner, near door lock or handle.
• Rear Window - driver's side in lower corner or towards the middle, lower edge.

Consumers may do it themselves by searching the Internet for how-to instructions, but it is recommended to have this done by a licensed professional. The process requires a very steady hand and must be done under optimum conditions. For example; one must not etch glass in direct sunlight on very hot days, when the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or in very windy or wet conditions.

About Suntec Auto Glass
SunTec Auto Glass is Phoenix auto glass repair shop specializing in glass etching that helps prevent car theft.