What is Operation Identification? Operation Identification is a nationwide program designed to discourage burglary and theft of valuables from your home and other locations and provide a way for you to easily identify stolen property. It has dramatically reduced crime in communities where the majority of citizens have joined the program because it reduces the profit in crime. Most burglars steal valuables for resale. But if you mark all items with permanent identification numbers, the burglar will be unable to sell them to his "fence" or other underground sources. Thus, if criminals know all valuables in your home are marked, they will look for easier and more profitable victims. Operation Identifications works even if your property is stolen or lost. It helps police contact you when the property is recovered and lets you identify it so it can be returned to you. What Number Should I Use? Mark your valuables with your initials or numbers of your choice with the prefix VA. Examples: ABC, 1234, VA 0000. The number should be engraved in an area that cannot be easily dismantled, and which is easily seen. Do not use your social security number as a means of identification. 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 Identification in this way, you are announcing that your valuable property has been marked and will be difficult for a burglar to resell. Often the presence of the sticker alone is enough to deter a burglar. When using an electric engraver, follow these tips: - Practice using the engraving tool before you mark your property.
- Be sure to engrave the complete Operation Identification number.
- Identify your property as conspicuously as possible without defacing it. (On some valuables, it's wise to engrave a second number in an inconspicuous spot for added security.
- When engraving, hold the tool in an upright position — not at a slant.
- The engraving tool has a depth adjuster. To adjust for hard surfaces, such as metal, adjust the knob to the loudest position.
- Make a record of the property you mark and keep it in a safe place.
- Don't put decals on your doors or windows unless you have engraved your valuables.
Engrave These Possessions Listed below are some of the most commonly stolen items from homes and businesses: - Television Sets
- Stereo Equipment
- Guns
- CD Players
- Computing Equipment
- Fish Rods and Reels
- Vacuum Cleaners
- Kitchen Appliances (mixers, toasters, etc.)
- Typewriters
- Adding Machines
- Dictating Machines
- Cameras
- Binoculars
- Hubcaps
- Mag Wheels
- Lawn Mowers
- CB Radios
- Bicycles
- Outboard Motors
- Golf Clubs
- Tools (hand and power)
- Watches and Clocks
- Jewelry
- Silverware
- High-value Watches
- Antiques
- Glassware
- Paintings
- Carpets
- Furs
If you choose to photograph your possessions, use a Polaroid or digital camera. Do not use a 35mm; you do not know who is developing your film. | 
