AZ. Auto Theft Authority News & Updates
February 2010
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The AATA Welcomes ASU Intern, Valeria Ahumada!
In January, Valeria (Val) Ahumada joined the AATA Team as part of the State of
Arizona’s Interns-In-Action Program, which was launched this year. Val is a
senior at Arizona State and is studying Mass Communications and Business.
This semester Val’s assisting the AATA with several public service and education
programs. Val will also be providing VIN etching by appointment only on
Tuesdays and Thursdays and will be helping out department with Auto Theft
Prevention & VIN Etching events. Please contact her at 602 364-2887 to
reserve your appointment. Welcome, Val – we’re glad to have you on board.
For more information about the State’s Interns-In-Action Program, visit
www.hr.az.gov/intern/index.asp
5th Annual Auto Theft Prevention & Awareness Week – March 1-6, 2010
The AATA, in partnership with several Arizona law enforcement agencies, will
host the 5th Annual Auto Theft Prevention & Awareness Week. Several events
will be planned during this first week in March in an effort to promote auto theft
and burglary prevention in Arizona. Check out our Events Calendar for more
information – www.azwatchyourcar.com. “Although budget cuts and staffing
reductions have limited our efforts this year, we’re happy to report many
agencies will continue proactive public education programs during the 2010 Auto
Theft Prevention Week,” stated Brian R. Salata, AATA Executive Director. For
more information or sponsorship & participation opportunities, please contact
Ann Armstrong 602 364-2892.
Do-It-Yourself VIN Etching Kits Available
The Arizona Auto Theft Authority and statewide law enforcement agencies have
been promoting VIN Etching as an effective visual deterrent against theft since
2002. VIN Etching is the process of permanently etching the vehicle’s 17 digit
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on each piece of window glass on the
vehicle.
Etching your vehicle’s VIN number serves as a permanent fingerprint of your

vehicle. When a vehicle is stolen, the thief must change the identity of the vehicle
by changing the VIN identification plate on the dashboard. With a new VIN
identification plate in place, he/she now has a new vehicle. BUT, with a vehicle
that has its window glass VIN etched, the thief must replace and dispose of each
piece of window glass, which drastically cuts into their profit (and time) margin.
As a thief contemplates stealing your vehicle, they will notice the etching on the
glass, and may move on to an unmarked vehicle. Some insurers offer discounts
for policy holders.
Several companies are now offering D.I.Y. VIN Etching Kits, which can be
ordered online for less than $25 in most instances and installation takes 15
minutes to complete per vehicle; some companies also offer multiple VIN Etching
Kit discounts.

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