Operation Identification

What is Operation Identification?

Operation Identification is a citizen’s burglary prevention program for use in homes or offices. The Operation ID program involves the marking of property with an identifying number as a means of discouraging burglary and theft. In communities where it has been implemented, Operation ID has shown dramatic results in its ability to reduce burglaries.

The Operation ID program has two basic parts:

Part One:

Mark your valuables with your Driver’s License Number so that your property can be easily traced and identified as yours. We strongly discourage the use of your social security number as its use may provide valuable identification information to a thief.

Part Two:

Engrave your number in two locations on the property. One that can be seen easily, and the other where it cannot.  You may not be able to engrave an identifying number on some property like jewelry. In this case you should take a photograph of the item and include the photo, along with any unique identifying characteristics in your records.

Records:

After you’ve marked your property, you should keep a record of it in a safe location. If the property is ever stolen from you, or lost, that record may provide important information to identify your property once it is recovered. This information is also helpful to law enforcement.

Crime is Everyone’s Problem

What makes Operation ID so effective?

Marked property is difficult for a burglar to dispose of or resell. Marked property can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease. And, if a burglar is caught with marked property in their possession, it is good evidence of possession of stolen property.

Burglary is the most frequently committed crime in the United States. By participating in Operation ID you are taking one important step to protect your possessions from burglary and theft.

Mark these possessions:

• Bicycles
• Binoculars
• Cameras
• Cell phones
• DVD/blu ray players
• VHF/Portable radios
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• EPIRBS
• Computers/Printers/Scanners
• Fishing rods, reels
• Golf clubs
• Firearms
• Lawn mowers
• Mag wheels
• Microwaves
• Musical instruments
• Outboard motors
• Portable stereos
• Tools
• Televisions
• Typewriters
• Vacuum cleaners

This list is not all inclusive. You may mark any item that has value. Remember to make a record of what you mark. Remember to photograph your valuables. Have valuable items such as jewelry appraised and keep all of that information together in a safe place.