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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 Operation ID program has two parts.
- First: Mark your valuables with your Driver's License
Number 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.
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
To participate in Operation Identification call the Tempe 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 either the main police station, at our
substation, and the Tempe Public Library. 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.
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 two letter state identifier along
with your license number. Notice there are no gaps or spaces in the numbers shown.
"
AZ526123456AZ "
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. Engravers
can be checked out at:
Tempe Public Library
3500 S Rural Rd
480-350-5577
Tempe Police
Station
120 E 5th
Street
480-350-8304
Police
Department South Station
8201 S Hardy
Dr
858-6300
Tempe
Police Department
Robert
L. Hawk Substation
10
W. Guadalupe Road
480-858-6330
For
further information, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 480-858-6330.
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