Local community groups and elected officials joined the 109th Police Precinct in the Bay Terrace Shopping Center recently, to make over 100 vehicles less likely to be stolen.
At the free “VIN etching” session on Saturday, September 26, officers also inscribed laptops, i-Pods and cell phones with Vehicle Identification Numbers. By marking otherwise easily-stolen items with a unique number, they become less attractive to thieves intent on reselling them.
The process is so effective, that vehicle insurance rates may be lowered when they are etched.
“A strong community-police partnership is essential to crime prevention and overall good quality of life within our community,” said Chrissy Voskerichian, President of the 109th Precinct Community Council
“VIN etching is a vital crime prevention tool in the fight against auto-theft in northeast Queens,” said Michael Sais, founder of the Auburndale-Bayside Anti-Graffiti Volunteers and one of the event organizers.
Senator Toby Stavisky, impressed with the effort, appeared at the event to present organizers Michael Sais, Chrissy Voskerichian, Vana Partridge and Warren Schreiber with New York State Certificates of Merit for their efforts in improving public safety in northeast Queens.
“The fact that so many people came for the VIN etching demonstrates an unmet need in the community,” Stavisky said. “I am delighted to work with the Bay Terrace Community Alliance, the 109th Precinct Community Council and the Auburndale-Bayside Anti-Graffiti Volunteers to improve our community."
