What is Operation Identification

Operation Identification is a citizen's burglary prevention program for use in homes and business. 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 properly implemented, Operation Identification has shown dramatic results in its ability to reduce burglaries. Operation ID program consists of two parts:

1. Mark your valuables with your Driver's License Number so that your property can be easily traced and identified as yours.
2. Display a sticker which tells would-be burglars that your property has been marked.

What Makes Operation Identification So Effective

Marked property is difficult for a burglar to dispose of or re-sell. It can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease. If the burglar is caught with marked property, It is solid evidence of possession of stolen goods.

How to Participate

Perform a complete written property inventory of all your belongings. Supplement your written documentation by taking photographs or using a video camera to record all of your personal property. This will be extremely useful in the event your property is lost or stolen. It will make the task of reporting the loss of your property to the Police or your insurance company much easier. You can use our "Property Inventory Form" in the Appendix to record all of your personal possessions.

Using an electric engraver or a carbide tip pen, mark all valuable property with your Driver's License number or use another number that is familiar to you such as your date of birth and initials.
CAUTION: Electric engravers can damage microchips-do not use them on items such as VCRs or microwave ovens. Use carbide tip pens instead.

Record the serial numbers, description, make, model, and your engraved number of all valuables and keep this information in a secure place, such as a safety deposit box.

Videotape or photograph your property and the rooms of your house. This will assist police if your house is robbed and vandalized.

When videotaping or photographing small objects, place a ruler beside them to show their size. Once you have marked your personal property, ask your Block Captain for Operation Identification stickers. Put the stickers on the front and rear doors of your house.

Property Inventory Form

Go through each room in your home, garage, yard or business and list all of the property. Be sure to include: floor, ceiling, wall coverings, fixtures, all furniture, jewelry, clothing, bedding, linens, toys, tools, equipment and all other property you own.

If you need a personal inventory form, you may contact your block captain or download one from the below link:
Property Inventory Form (Word).

As you mark your items, always engrave the number on an area that cannot be easily dismantled, and which is not easily seen.

After marking your property, make a list of your valuables and keep a copy of the list in a safe place. If you should subsequently become a burglary victim, you will be able to quickly describe the stolen property from the list.  Of course some items can not be marked and we suggest a photograph or video of these items. This will be of great help to the police department in our attempts to recover the stolen property.

Once property has been marked and a list made, display an Operation Identification sticker on doors and windows which might be used for entry. By advertising your participation in "Operation ID" in this way, you are announcing that your valuable property has been marked and will be difficult for a burglar to re-sell. Often the presence of the sticker alone is enough to deter a burglar.

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