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 Texas 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 sell. If properly marked, it can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease. If the burglar is caught with marked property, it is evidence of possession of stolen goods.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
Anyone wishing to participate in Operation Identification may obtain an engraver from the Galveston Police Department's Community Service Division. An electric engraver my be checked out free of charge on a three-day loan agreement. Your Driver's License Number should be used as your identifying mark on the valuables, which you engrave. A typical marking should look like this: TX2517148
The Texas Driver's License Number should be engraved on an area that cannot be easily dismantled and that is not easily seen.
After marking your property, make a list of your valuables. 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 information 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 a door or window that will most likely be used for entry. The Operation Identification sticker announces that your valuable property has been marked and will be difficult for a burglar to see. Often, the presence of the sticker alone is enough to deter a burglar.
DO NOT 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 possession from theft.
There are many other crime prevention precautions, which you can take to protect your home, property, business and family.
For further information contact:
Galveston Police Department
Community Services Division
(409) 765-3600 Office
MARK THESE POSESSIONS
The items listed below are stolen most frequently from homes and businesses.
Televisions
Stereo equipment
VCR, DVD
Computers
Guns
Radios
Fishing rods & reels
Household appliances
Cameras
Binoculars
Lawn Mowers
Bicycles
Outboard motors
Golf Clubs
Tools
