What Is Operation Identification?

Operation identification is a citizens burglary prevention program for use in homes and businesses. The Operation ID program involves the marking of property with an identifying number as a means of discouraging burglary and then. In communities where it has been properly implemented, Operation Identification has shown dramatic results in its ability to reduce burglaries.

The Operation ID program has two parts. FIRST. mark your valuables with your PIN number issued by the police department so that your property can be easily traced and identified as yours. SECOND, display a sticker which tells would-be burglars that your property has been marked.

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

How do I participate?

To participate in Operation Identification call Officer McAlpine at the Dayton Police Department, 763-427-2017,  to borrow an electric engraving tool free of charge.

•  Your PIN Number should be used as your identifying mark on the valuables which you engrave.

• ThePIN Number should be engraved 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. This will be of great help to the police in their attempts to recover the stolen possessions.
•  Once property has been marked and a list made, display an Operation identification sticker at 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.
• Do not however display an operation id sticker without first engraving your 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. There are many other crime prevention anti-burglary precautions which you can tab to protect your home, property, business, and family. For further information, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Mark These Possessions

The items listed below are those most commonly stolen from homes and businesses:

• TV sets
• Stereo equipment
• Guns
• Radios
• Car tape decks
• Tape recorders
• Fishing rods, reels
• Vacuum cleaners
• Kitchen appliances (mixers, toasters, etc.)
• Typewriter
• Adding machines
• Dictating machines
• Cameras
• Binoculars
• Hub caps
• Mag wheels
• Lawn mowers
• CB radios
• Bicycles
• Outboard motors
• Golf clubs
• Electric shavers
• Tools (hand and power)
• Watches, clocks

 Any other questions, or to participate in the Operation ID Program, call Officer McAlpine at 763-427-2017