Media Advisory

ALBANY, NY (09/24/2007)(readMedia)-- WHAT: New York State Watch Your Car Program & Auto Stripping Demonstration

WHEN: Tuesday, September 25, 2007, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: SUNY Buffalo, Helm Garage, Service Center Road

WHO: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

University at Buffalo Police Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee New York Anti Car Theft Association New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services New York State Police Allstate Insurance Company

CONTACT: (DMV) 518-473-7000

NOTES: THE MEDIA IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND AFTERNOON EVENTS FROM 1 P.M. TO 3 P.M.

The “Watch Your Car” Auto Theft Prevention Program of New York State offers two methods that will aid in deterring the theft of a vehicle.

1. A voluntary vehicle registration program: Owners sign a document stating their vehicles are not normally used between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. allowing for a stop if the vehicle is operated between those hours. Decals are affixed to the front and rear windows identifying the vehicle as participating in the program. If law enforcement sees the vehicle being driven anywhere in the U.S. during these hours, they may stop the vehicle and verify ownership. Owners can also give permission to have the vehicle stopped any time it is driven into Mexico or Canada or if it’s observed within the general proximity of an international port.

2. The VIN Etching Program: Vehicle owners can have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) acid etched onto each window. This is a deterrent against auto theft because the etched VIN number cannot be changed or altered without damaging the window. The owner of the vehicle may also receive a 2 - 5 % discount on their auto insurance premiums.

To register a vehicle with the “Watch Your Car” Program, the owner must present a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and valid insurance card.

In addition to the above program, and in order to demonstrate the usefulness of VIN etching, NYACT and Allstate Insurance Company will be sponsoring an auto stripping demonstration that will consist of several individuals stripping a full-size sedan of its major component parts in a short period of time. VIN etching is an important deterrent in preventing the use of vehicle parts that are so marked.

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