Permanent Vehicle Theft Deterrent

The Drive-Up Process

Arrive at the Bay or Marked Location

An Officer will collect the info and verify it

Vehicle

Drive up to our designated Chesapeake PD event lanes. Our team greets you and have the following ready:

• Government-Issued ID

• Vehicle Registration

• Completed Registration and Waiver Form

An Officer will collect the info and verify it

• Verify owner is a Chesapeake Resident (Return ID)

• Verify VIN Information (Return Registration)

• Collect Registration Form (An Excel database is maintained to help identify the property and its owner. The Auto Theft Detectives maintain it and do not use it for any other purposes).

Window VIN Etching or Catalytic Converter Etching

Depending on what service is being offered, will depend on the next steps.

• If it is a window VIN etching, it will stay on the ground and be moved to a tented area of a bay, if applicable.

• For Catalytic Converter etching, it will either be moved to a bay and lifted or lifted by a tow truck to safely access the area.

The Etching Process

Chemical-Based Stencil Marking System

Dot Pin Marker and Paint

Window VIN Etching is a multi-step process

• All vehicle windows will be cleaned, and a VIN stencil will be created.

• A prep chemical is placed on the spot where the stencil will be placed on each window.

  • It must sit for several minutes.

• The stencil is applied, and a second chemical, an etching chemical, is applied and also must sit for several minutes to allow the etching process to work.

• Stencils are removed, and etching is complete.

Window VIN Etching or Catalytic Converter Etching

• The Dot Pin Marker is programmed with the VIN.

• The VIN is etched in several places and on all catalytic converters.

• Using a stencil, CPD is spray-painted on the catalytic converters that are accessible with orange spray paint to be a visible indication that they have been etched.

***Please note: Not all catalytic converters are accessible and may not allow for etching. We recommend verifying before signing up.

Civic Funding & Trust

This community safety initiative is free to Chesapeake residents, and most of the equipment was obtained through state public safety grants. There are absolutely no fees, copays, or hidden charges for Chesapeake residents.

Why does etching deter thieves?

Window VIN Etching makes it difficult for thieves to hide the identity of the vehicle, and replacing all the windows is expensive and an undertaking that thieves generally do not want to do. For Catalytic Converter Etching, scrap yards and buyers instantly reject marked parts. A permanently etched VIN or registration code makes stolen components impossible to resell legally.

Do I need to leave my car?

No. Our drive-up bays are optimized for rapid service. Depending on the service, you may stay in the comfort of your vehicle or near your vehicle and observe the process.

Secure Your Vehicle Today

Appointments are entirely free and take only ten to twenty minutes at our community drive-up bays.