July 2, 2009
Public Safety Is Phoenix’s Priority
Recently, the Phoenix City Council approved several VIN-etching events and the “Watch Your Car” program within the District 6 neighborhoods patrolled by the Desert Horizon, Squaw Peak and South Mountain Police precincts.
At VIN-etching events, the police first scan the VIN (vehicle identification number) and print it on blue stickers. Volunteers then clean the window area, place the stickers on each window and use an acid to etch the numbers onto the glass. If your vehicle is ever stolen, there's a chance it could be recovered and identified thanks to those digits.
The “Watch Your Car” program allows law enforcement to stop vehicles in the wee hours of the morning. By displaying decals on the front and rear window, police can stop a vehicle between 1 and 5 a.m., when the majority of auto thefts occur. The vehicle also can be stopped at any time during the night or day within one mile of the border with Mexico, if there is a suspicion that the vehicle is being used illegally.
“Public safety is my number one priority and these public awareness events hosted by Phoenix Police helps to keep crime down and protect our neighborhoods,” said District 6 Councilman Sal DiCiccio.
In addition, officers from the Desert Horizon Precinct plan to combat auto theft with increased enforcement at high auto theft areas such as motels, malls, shopping centers and apartment complexes.
The use of auto license plate readers also will be utilized to increase the effectiveness of locating stolen vehicles. This device allows Phoenix police to detect stolen vehicles without entering the license plate number manually. The automated license plate recognition system scans cars using a camera attached to the roof of the car that is connected to a computer inside. The computer will notify the officer if any surrounding vehicles are reported as stolen. The camera is capable of reading as many as 10,000 license plates in one officer’s shift.
For more information on the city’s crime-fighting efforts, visit phoenix.gov/police.
Media Contact:
| District 6 Office | 602-262-7491 |
