Lehigh County's Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Task Force has scheduled free vehicle identification number etchings 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 11 at the Whitehall Township municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road, Whitehall.

There is no limit on the number of vehicles motorists may bring to the event.

VIN etching is the process of chemically etching a vehicle's unique identification number on all windows and sunroofs.

The process does not harm the windows and does not detract from the vehicle's appearance.

Detectives who do the VIN engraving use special software and a dot matrix printer to create stencils with the identification number on them.

Stencils then are applied to each of the vehicle's windows and are dabbed with an acid solution.

The stencils are removed, and the glass is cleaned with glass cleaner.

The number remains behind and is lightly etched into the glass.

Det. Sgt. Salvatore Aprile of the task force said vehicle owners can save money by coming to free VIN-etching events, which are held several times a year.

Aprile said etching is a simple way to deter thieves from stealing a vehicle.