Washington State Crime Prevention Association

Operation Identification is a citizens’ burglary prevention program for
use in homes and businesses. The Operation Identification program involves
marking property with your Washington State Identifier 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 and theft.

The Operation Identification Program has two parts.

Part One: Mark your valuables with your Washington State Driver’s
License Number preceded by “WA” and ending “DL” e.g. “WA-DDE**J
R563PN-DL” of your Washington State Identification Number preceded by
“WA” and ending with “ID”. Businesses can use their Washington State Tax
Number preceded by “WA” and ending in “TX”. Your property can then be
easily traced and identified as yours. Do not use your Social Security Number.
Do not engrave valuables such as heirlooms, paintings, antiques, silver, china,
or items that you will be selling
for profit.

Part Two: Display the 3” X 4” International/Washington State
Operation Identification logos on or near your perimeter doors and vulnerable windows. This tells would be burglars that your property is marked and to go elsewhere. Display the 1”X1” Operation Identification logos on the individual
valuables or vehicle wing windows and create a greater deterrent.

How to Participate

Purchase an electric engraving tool or contact your local Police or
Sheriff’s Department to make arrangements to borrow one. Engrave your
Driver’s License Number, Identification Number or Tax Identification
Number on property that is of value to you.

The number should be engraved on an area that cannot be easily
dismantled, and which is easily seen. You may also want to engrave in
another area that is not easily seen. To obtain the Operation Identification
stickers, contact your Police or Sheriff’s Department, after you have engraved
your property. By advertising your participation in Operation Identification,
you are announcing that your valuable property has been marked and will be
difficult for a burglar to re-sell.

If you sell your engraved items, etch one line through your Driver’s
License Number so that it is still readable, initial it and give the buyer a bill of
sale describing the property.

For items you cannot engrave, you may want to consider purchasing
an invisible marking pen from a stationary store. Although the invisible
marking pen may be no detent from the burglar taking the item, it can greatly
add to identification of items recovered. You should remember though that
the ink can be washed off and will dissipate within three years.

Photographs

It is further recommended that you supplement this inventory with photographs. Photograph valuable items that are inappropriate for marking,
such as works of art, antiques, china, silver, furs, and similar items. Then
photograph or videotape each room, cupboard, closet (don’t forget the garage
and vehicles) in a way that will show all furnishings and accessories.

Another Consideration Insurance

Insurance is recommended for everyone. Replacement value insurance
is also important to obtain, since it will reimburse you for the current cost for
the item rather than a depreciation value. A television set that you purchased for
$500 three years ago may only be worth $100 now; however, with the
replacement value clause, your insurance company will give you the money to
buy a new set. A caution to renters: Landlords only have insurance to cover
their building, not your personal property. Check with your insurance agent
about renter’s insurance. You may be surprised how reasonably it may be
obtained.

Operation Identification is a powerful detent to burglary. To learn
more about other burglary deterrents such as Neighborhood Watch, Auxiliary
Locking Devices for your doors and windows, and Alarm Systems, please
call your Police or Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Officer.

Inventory

While marking your property, make a li8st of all your valuables.
List the brand, model, serial number and the date purchased, along with the
value. When you have finished your inventory make a duplicate and keep
it away from the home. Most insurance agents will be happy to keep it in a
safe place. Should you suffer a major loss, this detailed listing will be vital
because your insurance agent will require the best possible documentation
to verify your claim. The inventory will also be of great help to police in their
attempts to recover the stolen property.

PROPERTY INVENTORY RECORD:

ITEM MAKE SERIAL NUMBER VALUE PURCHASE
DATE MARKED

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___AUTOMOBILES:

ITEM MAKE SERIAL NUMBER VALUE PURCHASE DATE MARKED

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CAMERAS – SPORTING GOODS:

ITEM MAKE SERIAL NUMBER VALUE PURCHASE DATE MARKED:

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______________________________________________________________________{_____}
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ITEMS OF VALUE WITHOUT SERIAL NUMBERS:

ITEM MAKE SERIAL NUMBERS VALUE PURCHASE DATE MARKED

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