The Tyler Police Department, East Texas Auto Theft Task Force and Target will sponsor a Bike Rodeo, V.I.N etching and H.E.A.T registration on Friday, March 12, 2010 at the Target location at 7003 S. Broadway in Tyler, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Officers of the police bicycle team will conduct a bicycle safety rodeo for the age groups between 4-13 years old.  The bike rodeo will begin with a parent registration and safety check for both the rider and the bicycle. The safety check for the rider will determine that both helmet and bicycle fit the rider.

Officers perform a quick-check for proper air in the tires, check to see that the brakes work properly and check that the chains are on properly. There is a short lecture on bicycle safety and children's knowledge of bicycle riding etiquette. The rodeo will consist of a road course for the participant to ride in, which is usually the children's favorite part of the event.

The East Texas Auto Theft Task Force will also provide a V.I.N (Vehicle Identification Number) etching and H.E.A.T. (Help End Auto Theft) registration. This program is designed to reduce auto theft and make your vehicle less desirable to car thieves.

V.I.N. etching puts the vehicle’s unique identification number on all of the windows, making it harder to sell for parts.

H.E.A.T. stickers give the owner’s permission to have police stop their vehicle with a H.E.A.T sticker on it during late night hours, the time most vehicles are stolen. It also allows border agents to stop a vehicle before it enters into Mexico and check it for proper ownership. Many stolen vehicles find their way into Mexico to be sold or disassembled for parts.

Vehicle owner’s wishing to participate in this event must bring identification and proof of ownership of the vehicle before it will be registered.

Information from the Tyler Police Department.