What is Operation ID?

Operation Identification (Operation ID) is a citizen's burglary prevention program for use in homes and businesses. The Operation ID program involves marking property with an identifying number and recording serial numbers as a means of discouraging burglary and theft. It also provides police with a way to identify property should it be stolen and recovered. In communities where it has been properly implemented, Operation ID has shown dramatic results in burglary reduction.

Operation ID has two basic Components

1. Engrave you valuables with your drivers license number so your property can be easily traced and identified as yours. Please note - DO NOT USE your Social Security Number. That number is tied to financial documents, and can be used by criminals.

ENGRAVE AS FOLLOWS:
-Your Drivers License Number or ID Number and year of expiration
-Engrave in two locations, one that can be easily seen and one that cannot be easily seen
-Photograph or videotape items and keep the photos/tape in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Jewelry should be photographed with an ID card and ruler next to it to show ownership and size.

2. Display a sticker that tells would-be burglars that your serial numbers are recorded, and your property has been marked.

"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."

How To Participate

To participate in Operation Identification call the University of North Alabama Police Department at 256-765-4357 and ask about borrowing an electric engraving tool. If we have one available, it can be picked up at the front counter at the police station in the basement of Keller Hall. There is no charge to use the engraver, however it must be returned within forty-eight hours. If an engraver is not available, they can be purchased at any hardware store at very little expense.

What makes Operation ID so effective?

Marked property is difficult for a burglar to dispose of - it can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease. And, if a burglar is caught with marked property, it is solid evidence of possession of stolen goods. After Marking your property, make a list of your valuables, and keep a copy of the list in a safe place. If you should 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 stolen property. 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.

Mark These Possessions

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

- Bicycles
- Video Camera's and Digital Camera's
- Car Audio Systems
- Computer Equipment
- DVD Players
- GPS's
- Golf Clubs
- Mag Wheels
- MP3 Players
- Musical Instruments
- Radios
- Stereo Equipment
- Telephones/Cellphones
- Televisions

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.

DOWNLOAD OUR OPERATION ID RECORD FORM:

"Working Together for a Safer Community"