DOWNEY - The Downey Police Department has launched "Operation Save our Seats" in response to a growing number of thefts targeting expensive SUV third-row seats.At no cost to vehicle owners, Downey police will etch a vehicle's license plate number onto the third-row seat in an inconspicuous place. The etching will help police return the seat should it ever be stolen. High-resale value has spurred thieves to target third-row seats, which are often re-sold at swap meets or online, said Sgt. Brian Baker of the Downey Police Department. Third-row seats can fetch up to $2,000 and can be removed in less than a minute, making them attractive to thieves, Baker said. Police officers will etch the seats March 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the police department's west parking lot. Police are specifically targeting newer model Chevy Tahoes, GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades but all vehicles with removable third-row seats can attend. The etching process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Appointments are requested by contacting Detective Ethan Roberts at (562) 904-2334 or eroberts@downeyca.org.

********** Published: March 15, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 48