Operation Identification

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.

The program has several parts.
  1. Mark your valuables with your Driver's License Number so that your property can be easily traced and identified as yours.
  2. Record the descriptions, serial numbers, etc. of the items that you engraved. (We also recommend taking photos of items or video tapes of areas.)
  3. 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 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. Also, removing a serial number or engraved ID number is a separate offense.


How to Participate

To participate in Operation Identification call the Greenfield Police Department and ask about borrowing an electric engraving tool. If they have one available, it can be picked up at the front counter at the police station. There is no charge to use the engraver, however it must be returned within 48 hours. Also, forms to record the serial numbers and descriptions of engraved items are available. If an engraver is not available, they can be purchased at any hardware store at very little expense.

When marking your valuables, always use your Drivers License Number, never your Social Security Number, unless they are the same number (and if they are get it changed ASAP). Also, always use the 2 letter state identifier along with your license number. Notice there are no gaps or spaces in the numbers shown.

Marking Your Items

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." There are many other crime prevention anti-burglary precautions which you can take to protect your home, property, business, and family.