The University of Arizona Police Department will offer free Vehicle Identification Number etching Friday to help combat car theft on campus.

In 2007, 80 on-campus car thefts were reported to UAPD, said Sgt. Juan Alvarez, spokesman for the department.

At Friday's event, campus and community members can have their VIN number, an identification number unique to their vehicle, etched into all their windows – a measure that can go a long way in helping authorities recover stolen automobiles, Alvarez said.

UAPD also will provide auto theft prevention information and will be available to register vehicles, free of charge, in the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority's Watch Your Car Program. The program is for vehicle owners who do not typically use their cars between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., when the majority of thefts occur. The program authorizes law enforcement officials to stop a registered vehicle within one mile of an international border at any time if there is suspicion they it is being operated illegally.

Steering wheel locks will be on sale for $10 at Friday's event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the intersection of East University Boulevard and North Cherry Avenue. Those who register in the Watch Your Car Program will receive a free lock.