WHO:
Los Angeles Police Department’s CECAT Unit Personnel, California State University Northridge Police, Safelite Auto Glass Personnel

WHAT:
Auto Theft Clinic for Window Etching of Vehicle Identification Numbers

WHEN:
Saturday, June 28, 2003
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:
N/E corner of Lassen Street and Lindley Avenue
Granada Hills, CA

Los Angeles : Auto theft is an increasing crime throughout the United States. In the Los Angeles area alone, as of June 21, 2003, 16,141 vehicles were reported stolen.

One effective LAPD entity that is successfully combating auto theft is the unit known as the Community Effort to Combat Auto Theft, or CECAT. This innovative law enforcement unit, along with the University Northridge Police and Safelite Auto Glass Company, are holding a public workshop to battle the incessant problem of auto theft in Los Angeles.

At the workshop, for a fee of $15.00, participants will be able to have their vehicle windows etched with their vehicle’s corresponding VIN numbers. The numbers displayed will be small in size, discreetly placed, and will provide law enforcement agencies a valuable resource in instantly identifying vehicles that have had the VIN number plate altered or removed. This process has proven to be an effective and inexpensive method in reducing auto theft.

For further information, contact CECAT Sergeant John Artes at 818-756-8138.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.