An automobile window-etching program will be held on campus tomorrow and Friday as part of the Campus Police Annual Crime Privention Week activities.
Etching the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto all of a car's windows has been found to be an effective antitheft measure in Massachusetts, according to the Governor's Auto Theft Strike Force. The etching seems to deter professional thieves who steal cars to sell parts to repair and body shops. Etching also allows car owners a discount of up to 15 percent on automobile comprehensive insurance.
The program, being held in conjuction with the Strike Force will take place at the rear of the Johnson Athletics Center (Building W34), across from West Garage, Thursday, Oct. 6, 8:30am-4pm and Friday, Oct. 7, 8:30am-1:45pm, weather permitting (severe rain will cause cancellation).
The process takes about 20 minutes to complete. Pre-registration is preferred. Please include name, campus address and extension, date and preferred time. Appointments may be made by calling x3-9755 or e-mail to
Participants must bring the automobile registration and $10.00 cash (no checks accepted) to have their cars etched.
Outdoor Fair
Free bike-lock cuffs will be given to the first 250 students who bring their IDs, bikes (for engraving) and Kryptonite locks to the Crime Prevention Fair today (Wednesday, Oct. 5) from 10:30am-2:30pm on the Student Center Plaza. The CVS Samaritan Van and the Seat-Belt Convincer will be on display, and there will lots of handouts and free Cokes. The indoor crime-prevention display-with more freebies-is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 14, in Lobby 7.
KidCare reminder
Project KidCare, the Campus Police Department's free program to photograph and fingerprint MIT children, will take place Saturday, Oct. 8, 9am-3pm in the Student Center Lobby.
The KidCare ID packet assures parents that they will have all the appropriate information available if their child is lost or abducted. This service is sponsored by the MIT Employees Federal Credit Union.
A version of this article appeared in the October 5, 1994 issue of MIT Tech Talk (Volume 39, Number 7).
