Protecting Vehicles From Theft (NAPSA)—What does DNA have in common with vehicle etching? More than you might think. Both have a unique code and both can be usedto fight crime. Vehicle etching and DNA labels refer to a system that applies a car owner’s specific and unique code to a vehicle in a number of apparent or concealed places (the corners of windows, on doors, etc.). Once a car is etched, a highly visible label is applied, letting potential thieves know it has been etched and the car’s code is registered with a security company. Doing so makes it easier to track the car down if it is stolen—butit also makes the car less likely to be stolen in the first place. Here’s how it works: Owners apply an etching stencil to the outside, lower corners of windows and add an etch cream. After five minutes, owners peel the etching stickers off and the car is protected. e DNAlabels are placed on car parts such as doorjambs, hoods and trunks, in places that are easy for you to find, but that do not affect the appearanceof your vehicle. If a thief peels off a label, a hidden mark remains in its place. The mark can only be seen under a UV light. The idea is that when a vehicle is etched, its parts are less valuable to a car thief because they can’t be sold off as easily as nonetchedcars. A do-it-yourself kit, The Club DNAVehicle Etching System, has been developed by Winner International. People using the system Locking Out Auto Thieves Parkin well-lit, residential areas. Alwayslock doors andclose all windows. Use discreet etchings and labels to make your car easier fo recover and therefore less attractive to thieves. Use highly visible theft deterrents, such as steering wheellocks. If you are going on vacation, ask a neighborto check on yourcar periodically. @ are assigned a code knownonly to them and then, should they choose to do so, they can store their codes in Winner’s secure database. The codes can then be used to help identify a vehicle if it is stolen. The company recommends people use the etching system in conjunction with a steering wheel lock such as The Club. “When it comes to preventing car theft, a layered approach is always best. A steering wheel lock for visibility and deterrence, plus etching to decrease the attractiveness for chop shops, makes a vehicle more secure,” says Karen Winner Hale of Win- ner International. “What’s most important is that vehicle owners take the first steps in fighting auto theft by taking responsibility to deter the theft of their own vehicles.” For more information or to find an etching kit, visit the Web site www.winner-intl.com or call 1800-527-3345.
