The Richardson Police Department, in partnership with the North Texas Auto Theft Task Force, will provide free VIN etchings Wednesday, July 24 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot of Target, 501 S. Plano Rd. The small, quick-to-apply, 17-digit VINs, or vehicle identification numbers, are etched into car windows to deter thefts. Thieves who steal cars for resale or parts tend to avoid vehicles that have glass etched with a VIN—the etching reduces the criminal’s profit if they have to install new windows, and the etched windows are worthless for resale.

The event is first-come, first-served—no registration required. For information about additional crime prevention programs offered by the Richardson Police Department, click here