WGNO offers free Auto Theft Prevention which includes VIN-Etching of your vehicle and Auto Theft Prevention Information. Take advantage of this free program by calling Jim or Rob at WGNO to make an appointment.  616.451.0150 or email us at wgno@westgrand.org

Q. What is Identification Protection?

 

A. It is the permanent marking of your vehicle’s glass with the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in order to discourage thefts.

 

Q. What good will it do?

 

A. Thieves steal vehicles in order to make easy money by either quickly selling parts stripped off the vehicle or by selling the entire vehicle.  A vehicle with Protected glass costs the thieves money because it has to be removed, disposed of, and replaced before the vehicle is sold.  As a result, thieves learn to not steal VIN Protected vehicles.  In short, Vehicle Identification Protection is a good theft prevention measure.

 

Q. Will it damage the windows?

 

A. No.  The process only affects the outer most layer of the glass.  This will in no way damage your windows or make them weaker.

 

Q. Won’t it alter my car’s appearance?

 

A. No.  The numbering is only 1/4” in height and 2” in width.  The numbering has a white color that can be seen within a few feet of your vehicle.  Thieves and police officers know where to look for the Vin Protection, but the casual passer-by will not notice.

 

Q. How long does this take?

 

A. It should only take 10 minutes.  The vehicle owner must complete a registration form and have staff create the stencils.  The owner may park their vehicle anywhere, but the windows must be completely closed.

 

Q. How much does this cost?

 

A. Although some car dealerships and glass companies will provide Vin Protection for a fee up to $250, ATPA is providing this service free of charge.  It’s our hope that the program will decrease the number of vehicle thefts and make you feel more secure.

 

Q. What are other additional benefits of Vehicle Identification Protection?

 

A.   1.  By having your vehicle Protected, you may qualify for a discount on the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance premium.

      2.  It is an economical way of auto theft prevention.  It is free.

      3.  Protected vehicle windows provide traceable numbers in case of theft.

      4.  Makes your car less attractive to the car thieves.  Instead of making money on your vehicle, the thief has to spend money to remove and dispose of the protected windows.

 

1. TAKE YOUR KEYS.  Nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen had the keys in them.

2. LOCK YOUR CAR.   Approximately 50% of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.

3. NEVER HIDE A SECOND SET OF KEYS IN YOUR CAR.  Extra keys can easily be found if a thief takes time to look.

4. PARK IN WELL-LIGHTED AREAS.  Over half of all vehicle thefts occur at night.

5. PARK IN ATTENDED LOTS.  Auto thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended parking lots.

6. NEVER LEAVE YOUR CAR RUNNING, EVEN IF YOU’LL ONLY BE GONE FOR A MINUTE.  Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATM’s, etc.  Many vehicles are also stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up.

7. COMPLETELY CLOSE CAR WINDOWS WHEN PARKING.  Don’t make it any easier for a thief to enter your vehicle.

8. DON’T LEAVE VALUABLES IN PLAIN VIEW.  Don’t make your car a more desirable target and attract thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.

9. PARK WITH YOUR WHEELS TURNED TOWARDS THE CURB.  Make your car tough to tow away.  Wheels should also be turned to the side in driveways and parking lots.

10. HAVE YOUR VEHICLE’S IDENTIFICATION PROTECTED—Permanent marking of your vehicle’s glass with Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

 

Attention Ladies!​​  

Get Ready,

Its time for a night out!!!

 

Tuesday, February 5th, 2013

from 5:30pm - 7:30pm

at Westside Fitness!

Westside Fitness is partnering up with local Grand Rapids vendors and companies to pamper YOU!            Be sure to stop by to check our amazing selection of vendors including:

* Pure Romance * Premier Design Jewelry * Woosah Art * Billy K Catering * Bell Family Chiropractic * Moondrop Herbals * Brittany Renee Photography * Saving Face Organics * Origami Owl Jewelry * Orchard Harvest Candles * Glitter Girl Cards * Health Motion Physical Therapy * Perfectly Posh * Tastefully Simple * Life Expressions * Beauti Control * Thirty-One Totes* and MORE!!!​

Info sessions from WESTSIDE FITNESS about Personal Training, Nutrition, and Supplementation! You can even cash in on tanning and massage specials from Almost Paradise Tanning Salon and Massage West!

*Tuesday, February 5th, 2013 from

5:30pm - 7:30pm at

Westside Fitness*

This is a snapshot of Stockbridge Businessmen touring the Stockbridge Business District from a trolley.  Business Districts are really coming together to improve the business community.

Contact Jim or Rob, Auto Theft Prevention Coordinators
West Grand Neighborhood Organization
616.451.0150

TAKE YOUR KEYS

Nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen had keys in them.

 

LOCK YOUR CAR

Approximately 50% of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.

 

NEVER HIDE A SECOND SET OF KEYS IN YOUR CAR.

Extra keys can easily be found by a thief.

 

PARK IN ATTENDED LOTS, LEAVE ONLY THE IGNITION/DOOR KEY

If your trunk and glove box use the same key as the door, have one of them changed.  Upon returning check the tires, spare and battery to insure they are the same as those you had when you parked.

 

NEVER LEAVE YOUR CAR RUNNING

Even if you’ll only be gone for a minute, it takes less than that to take your vehicle.  Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATM’s etc.  Many vehicles are also stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up.

 

NEVER LEAVE YOUR CAR RUNNING.  COMPLETELY CLOSE CAR WINDOWS WHEN PARKING.

Don’t make it any easier              

West Grand held its annual meeting on October 15th, 2012.  Honored guest included, City Manager Greg Sundstrom, City Commissioner Dave Shaffer, County Commissioner Carol Hennessy, Captain Savage, and Officer Alan Ort.  West Grand gave out honorably mentioned to Dave for his great office work, Capt Savage and Officer Ort for their great service to the community and to West Grand. 

Volunteer of the Year went to Sarah G.  who gives us the best deserts at Christmas, the long hours at all of our events, and her service to our community even though she lives in Kentwood.

Dumpster Day Award went to Caleb C. for his great contribution to our day of clean-up.  He takes the day off every year to help our residents clean up the neighborhood.

Business of the Year went to Able Manufacturing, for their great contributions to the neighborhood as a whole.

Block Captain of the Year went to Marie M.  for her great achievements in her neighborhood. 

West Grand's Hero of the Year went to Walgreen's on the corner of Alpine and Leonard.  The Walgreen's community outreach is an exceptional group of store managers that come out to all of our events, serves the community, and extends their helping hands across our neighborhoods in several different ways.  Because of their great service to the community as a whole, we were proud to give them our Hero of the Year.  When you see the staff at Walgreen's take a minute and just say thank you for their generosity, the great response for our seniors, and for  the reduction of criminal activity around their store.  Well done Walgreen's staff, neighbors, and friends. 

We would like to say thank you to all of our residents, community friends and neighbors for the work that you have done for us all.

Harrison Park has a program that is paid for by United Way.  Its a program to help students grades 1-3 learn the fundamentals of reading.  We would always have the same student we are working with for the entire school year.  This way we can also develop a positive relationship with that student.  As you already know, many of the students in our area do not have the core values or stability at home.  During the school year, hopefully we would be able to make a difference in that child's life not only by helping them learn how to read, but also through the relationship we have developed.  

LeeAnn needs as many volunteers as she can get, as she has many students still to pair up.  Its about 40 minutes a week.  5 minutes before and after the 30 minutes of reading time.  The tutor will need to walk the child to and from class surrounding the tutoring. 

The tutors will also need to attend a 1 hour training class and pass a background check. 

Please make sure everyone knows they can be a part of this amazing program!!!

LeeAnn Vallone 819-3972 is the cordinator for this program. 

Her email address is vallonel@grps.org  

Please feel free to call or email her with any questions you have.

Call Jim or Rob to have your car VIN-ETCHED today. 
616.451.0150


This is a free auto theft prevention program...


By the Auto Theft Prevention Authority provided with a Michigan State Police Grant