Hello,

Does anybody still get this done (i.e. reg number on windows)? I'm thinking about it (I'm never going to want a private plate), I wonder if it's actually beneficial though?

I'm registered (as we probably nearly all are) on the International Security Register, and whilst that's probably helpful, it relies on someone actually phoning a number to check the car's details. It's not obvious anything is amiss if you just glance at the car.

Does window etching still work as a deterrent to theft these days though?

Cheers,

Richard.

I etched the windows on my Escort S2 Turbo with the VIN details.

I think it discourages rebirthing a car with a new identity, as it costs a lot to replace all the windows to get rid of the old VIN. In Oz my Octy vRS came with the VIN etched on the windows standard.

No significance to joy riders, ram raiders and the ilk, may slow down someone who wants to break it for parts.

I guess it depends on your assessment of the costs/risks/benefits.

Hello,

Does anybody still get this done (i.e. reg number on windows)? I'm thinking about it

Cheers,

Richard .

Check with your insurance co. as some will arrange it for you at no charge.

Is it worth it? Yes, if it stops just one person from stealing your car - it's worth it.

Check with your insurance co. as some will arrange it for you at no charge.

Is it worth it? Yes, if it stops just one person from stealing your car - it's worth it.

I think you've convinced me!

When I bought my vRS as an "Approved Used" it came pre-etched.

I can't remember the name of the company, however they charged a £35 change of owner fee and that was it.

The unique number etched on each window was logged - prefer that way to having reg plate etched, especially as I changed my plate soon after buying the car.

When I bought my vRS as an "Approved Used" it came pre-etched.

I can't remember the name of the company, however they charged a £35 change of owner fee and that was it.

The unique number etched on each window was logged - prefer that way to having reg plate etched, especially as I changed my plate soon after buying the car.

You're talking about the ISR (International Security Register). Initial registration is free when you buy a new car, but it does cost a small fee when the car changes owners.

I have that too. The drawback (as I see it) though, is it's not obvious looking at a car that the plates have been changed. Someone has to be suspicious and actually bother to phone the ISR to check the car's details. In all honesty, how likely is that?

Having your reg on the windows is probably more of a deterrent to someone nicking your car and cloning it, IMHO.

I'm happy to be proved wrong here though, because it'll save me the hassle of getting my windows etched this weekend!

Having your reg on the windows does mean you probably wouldn't want to get a private plate, but I personally don't care about private plates

My Octy already has VIN numbers etched on the windows.

VIN numbers never change throughout the life of the car, and although you personally might never want to put a private plate on the car, the next owner might want to do just that.

Only a personal view.

Mike

Again though, the problem with VIN is what are the odds of a passer-by noticing that the VIN doesn't match what's etched on the windows?

I agree with what you say about future owners, but to be honest I doubt that would put most buyers off a car. Certainly not an Octavia Estate anyway, might be more of an issue with an Audi TT or something?!

Again though, the problem with VIN is what are the odds of a passer-by noticing that the VIN doesn't match what's etched on the windows?

Short of having a flashing sign saying "I'm stolen, please tell the police ! " I don't think passer-bys are likely to notice anything much at all - they usually aren't that interested. Having the VIN etched on the windows will certainly discourage the professionals, and it is those thieves who take your your car and you never see it again.

Short of having a flashing sign saying "I'm stolen, please tell the police ! " I don't think passer-bys are likely to notice anything much at all - they usually aren't that interested. Having the VIN etched on the windows will certainly discourage the professionals, and it is those thieves who take your your car and you never see it again.

This is true of course. So I guess it boils down to, which number etched on your windows is most likely to reduce the likelyhood of your car getting pinched?

1) ISR

2) VIN

3) Reg

So we're going with VIN then?!