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-   -   Anti-Theft Measure : Etching registration number on the windows (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/street-experiences/16860-anti-theft-measure-etching-registration-number-windows-4.html)

I remember seeing a Mercedes with a UK etching on the glass some time back. It was an old car, probably imported and was bearing a KL registration then.

Its a good exercise, and even better that it is optional. I dont think the rule states that you have to get it done from Skoda, I would check elsewhere if it is so expensive. It seems useful for the amount that you pay. I have heard of places doing it for 500 bucks

Never heard of that! But, one could drop in a few Visiting cards down the window! :)

you beat me to it Sahil. I opened the thread as I wanted to post this, but then I guess the only option is to sell it in the same state where you have your registration done.

Does anyone know where in Bangalore can this be done ?

I got car registration number etched in all windows, front and rear windscreen recently in both my cars.It costs Rs 200/- per vehicle.The etching was done by MASS.I feel it is a must,even our Maruti 800 had its registration number etched in all the windows, front and rear windscreen
An interesting observation I made was that etching done on my cars looks different compared to etching done in our old Maruti 800.

@GTO, my point was focusing on the fact that it is not a failsafe method tosafeguard a car, and thieves can find ways to de-etch it

When a car gets stolen, it is generally removed of all identifiable / traceable marks and new documents created for the same. Somtimes, these cars are sold within city limits, though rare, but most often in other cities or smaller rural areas. The other thing is to knock down the car and sell it off piece meal.

So, during the sanitizing process, they would not mind scratching the reg number off the windsheild. They also scrape the VIN numbers off in a similar fashion.

Not possible. Simplest reason being, the car is registered with the RTO after it reaches the dealership.

Which anti-theft measure is fail safe? Not locking your car, not autocop, not the engine immobilizer, not gearlocks......quite simply, nothing! my point was : The more anti-theft measures you have on your car, the less desirable it is to a thief.

And that's exactly why this permanent number etching is a good idea.

@GTO. Have to agree with you, my point was focussing on just that as a safety aspect, and not the broader picture. For every safety measure we can think of, the thieves come up with counter measures.

It is just that the more precaution we take, makes it that much more harder for a thief to steal it, as he will have to spend more than just 60 seconds in trying to steal it ;-)

Thereby finding it too much of a hassle and not worth the pain.

Hey Guys a quick update..

Got the number etched on my Indica from the authorised service centre for Rs 550.

Also WIAA provides this service for Rs 600 which includes a 2 year membership.

Registration etching on the windshield helped a Mumbai businessman trace his stolen car. The car was found 1400 kms away from Mumbai in Delhi. More details in the linl below:

Owner gets back stolen car, thanks to laser-etching - Mumbai - DNA

I guess this etching thing does help in case the vehicle gets stolen considering the fact on an avg daily about 4-5 vehicles get stolen in Mumbai alone.

How many BHPians have got the registration etched for their vehicles, do share the details.

A neighbours Ambassador was stolen in 1977. The car was recovered from some thieves, they had removed every bit of identity. The cops traced the owner because the car had been to a paint shop and the registration number was found painted inside panels such as doors, bonnet and dicky. It was a practice in those days to dismantle these parts and store them elsewhere when the bodywork was being done. At that time luck was the recovery factor:thumbs up

AnyANyone aware where could we get registration number etching done on windows in Mumbai? Can we get this done in Maruti A.S.S.?
Approximately how much it costs to get etching done on all 6 glasses (Windscreens Front and rear, all four side windows)

Yes, its done in MASS. I got done it in Spectra Ghatkoper 4 yrs back.
Its also done at a HASS in Thane. Priced around 600 Rs now it would be around 800 approx.

Mostly its outsourced to non workshop guys check in your area and you might find one.


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etching, is it across India? because i have never come across yet.

I think this is another way of making money, The cops dot & the thieves do their regular job, Nothing does help if the car is bound to be stolen.

Wasn't this etching present in the 90s in Delhi?
Anyone from Delhi from that era?

I believe it is always beneficial - plus for those who have qualms since there can be a change in state and thus the vehicle registration no. :
You can easily get a new no etched below the old one.
What's the issue?