Operation I.D.

The Purpose of Operation Identification

Did you know…

A burglary or theft occurs every ten seconds

Operation Identification

Is one basic step YOU can take to help prevent theft and aid in the recovery of stolen property

Operation Identification is a nation-wide effort of law enforcement agencies and the citizens and businesses they serve. The goal is to reduce property theft, as well as, aid in recovery of stolen property through an identification system.

Marking your possessions with an identifying number is an effective method of deterring theft. Thieves find it more difficult to dispose of stolen articles that can be traced through an owner’s personal ID number. If caught with marked item, the thief can be convicted. The marked items can also be returned to the rightful owner.

Where can I get an Engraver:

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff in collaboration with the Contra Costa County Library system now offer electric property engravers for loan at all Contra Costa County Library branches.
Click here to find branch locations.

If you are using a loaned engraver:

• Be considerate, complete your marking and return the engraver within the loan agreement time (1 week).

• Remember, there are many citizens waiting for you to return the engraver so they may use it.

• Do Not let children operate the engraver.

Selecting a Proper Identification Number

Your driver license number with state abbreviation provides an instantly recognizable number to law enforcement agencies nation-wide. If you are a non-driver, contact your state DMV to see if an ID number can be issued to you. NEVER USE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AS AN IDENTIFYING NUMBER FOR ANY REASON.

Example: Number and state abbreviation

“A12345678 CA”

If you sell an item do not “scratch out” your ID number, simply draw one line through it. This way the item can still be identified down the road and it does not appear to law enforcement that the number has been “altered.”

Mark Your Property

• Mark all of your valuable possessions with an electric engraver, an inscriber pen, an infrared indelible security marker, or other marking pen.
• Practice using the engraver on scrap material before marking your property.
• The electric engraver can be used on metal, wood, or hard plastic. Your personal ID number should be marked on all removable parts in at least two places: one visible and one hidden.
• Some items cannot be engraved and have no model and/or serial number, such as antiques, furs, jewelry, musical instruments, fine art, and silver. It is suggested that such items be marked with infrared indelible markers and photographed/video taped for size and identification purposes. When photographing or video taping property make sure that you place an item in the picture, such as a ruler or dollar bill, to establish scale.

Inventory Forms

Property forms are included in the packet you will receive from the library. It is important that you keep records of all items you engrave in case of loss.

Click here to download Operation I.D. Inventory Form

Which Items Should You Engrave?

You should mark and record anything of value that a burglar (or two) could conceivably carry away. Use the following checklist as a guideline:

What about items that can't be engraved?

Don't ignore these items. In the case of jewelry, silver, antiques that can't or shouldn't be marked, photograph or video tape them. When photographing items, place a ruler or dollar bill in the frame for scaling purposes. Store your photographs or video tapes in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe.

For more information on Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Watch call the Office of the Sheriff, Crime Prevention Unit at (925) 313-2720

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