ATPA at the West Michigan Auto Show
West Grand Neighborhood Organization
By Esteban Moreno, ATPA VIN Technician
On 1/31/2019 the Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), set up a booth at the West Michigan Auto Show. This was our second appearance at the show and we had a great success. Harvey Cadillac was gracious enough to donate a beautiful 24 inch chrome Escalade rim valued at $1,000.00. The rim was displayed, and used in our promotion of ultra violet marking. We are really hoping to kickoff a UV marking campaign this spring and summer.
The ATPA is also currently working on marking catalytic converters. These are also high theft items, which can be very costly to replace. Thieves are stealing them for the precious metals and can be taken to the salvage yards. The ATPA is working with these salvage yards to better identify stolen converters and thoses turning them in. Larceny from a vehicle or parts is punishable by a 5 year felony and no more than a $10,000.00 fine.
Thanks to Harvey Cadillac for donating this Escalade rim for our use at the Auto Show to show what UV marking looks like!
Parts can be marked using UV. This can include stereos, wheels, major parts (hood, doors..), even personal property like phones, computers, and TV’s. We are here to set up appointments or you can wait until spring or summer. The weather has to be 50 degrees and dry in order to apply the UV chemical or acid for VIN etching. Be safe and be smart! Mark your property and prevent theft!
For any further questions regarding vehicle theft prevention call West Grand Neighborhood Organization at 616-451-0150 or e-mail the West Grand Neighborhood Organization ATPA VIN Technicians at ATPA@westgrand.org another great way to protect your vehicle from Auto Theft is getting your car VIN Etched. Appointments for VIN Etching can be made for weekdays between 8:30 AM-10 AM FREE by going to the following link: Make an Appointment Now!
Funds for this program are provided by the Michigan Auto Theft Prevention Authority.