VIN etching program set for Thursday

A free program offered next week by the Sheriff's Combined Auto Theft Task Force can help El Campo residents protect themselves from car thieves.

And it will only take a few minutes.

County sheriff's deputies and task force officials will be in El Campo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at the El Campo Volunteer Fire Department Training Facility behind Friendship Park on North Wharton Street to offer VIN etching.

The free service helps deter auto thieves by placing the vehicle identification number on each window of a car or truck.

The only way to remove the etching is to grind over it, leaving a permanent mark, or to replace all the glass, according to Wharton County task force Deputy Mike Hines.

Those participating in the program also may qualify for an insurance discount depending on the company. The task force provides a card to give to insurance companies for a possible reduction in premiums.

For information call Hines at 979-532-1550 or 543-1373.