Operation Identification

Operation Identification, a national program, is designed to reduce burglary and theft. The program consists of the following parts.

1. The engraving of your property with your driver's license number to reduce the outlets by which thieves can dispose of your belongings. Such property in thieves' possession provides evidence of their guilt. Engraving also aids in identifying, tracing, and returning your property when it is recovered.

2. The methodical inventory of the contents of your home and the recording of the pertinent information to help you: a) expedite insurance claims, and b) assist the police in returning your stolen goods. Public Safety provides inventory sheets specifically designed to record the most important information.

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Almost any item can be engraved. We recommend that all easily moved valuables be engraved (e.g., TVs, bicycles, computers, cameras, sporting goods, stereos), along with metal, wood, or plastic items of value.

Valuables should be marked with your driver's license number and the first two letters of your state's name in a place where they can easily be seen to ensure identification.

Public Safety has a supply of engravers that you can borrow free of charge from its office at 208 High Street. Because of the limited supply, we ask that such engraver be returned within two days so that others may use it.

After you have engraved your property, we suggest that you systematically inventory the contents of your home on a Public Safety inventory sheet, listing the model, make, color, serial number and description of each item. Make several copies of your Public Safety inventory sheet. Leave one with Public Safety, send one home (if you are a student), and keep the other in a secure location. Remember: to make the program work, you must keep the list current.

If you are a faculty or staff member, we suggest that you also keep a copy of all this information in a secure place at your residence or in a safety deposit box.

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