The service was free and the backbone of a new initiative aimed at decreasing auto theft in Barela's southwest Detroit neighborhood. The thieves will see the truck is marked and walk away. The etchings and cash for tips are part of a pilot program called Watch Your Block, organized through the Southwest Sub Zone Community Policing Board of Directors, part of the federal empowerment zone in southwest Detroit. Police said 11 cars daily are stolen from neighborhoods in the area.
Etching uses a chemical to burn vehicle identification numbers into glass or metal.
The process is quick, and makes it difficult to sell parts or autos illegally, police said. As part of the new program, Crime Stoppers will display photos and biographical information on carjackers and auto thieves at 10 locations throughout southwest Detroit. HEAT officials said they will not tie rewards to convictions. We are going to be the funnel for tips in the community.