POLICE DEPARTMENT

Operation Identification is a citizen’s burglary prevention program for use in homes and businesses. 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 three components. FIRST, mark your valuables with your Driver’s License Number so that your property can be easily traced and identified. SECOND, register your personal items on our website http://www.eppd.org. THIRD display a sticker that tells potential intruders that your property has been marked. If you do not have access to a computer, computers are available at the public Libraries for you convenience.

WHAT MAKES OPERATION ID SO EFFECTIVE?

Marked property is difficult for a criminal to dispose of or sell. It can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease. Additionally, if the intruder is caught with marked property, it is solid evidence of possession of stolen goods.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

To participate in Operation Identification go by the nearest Police Regional Command or your local Fire Station to borrow an electric engraving tool free of charge. Your Driver’s License Number should be used as your identifying number. Engrave this number on all your valuables. A typical marking should look like this:

TX12345678

The Driver’s License Number should be engraved on an area that cannot be easily dismantled and which is not easily seen.

Continue by registering your valuables on the Operation ID website. Print a copy of your list and place it in a safe place. If you should become a victim of a burglary, you will be able to describe the stolen property from the list or advise the investigating officer that the information is on the Operation ID website at http://www.eppd.org. The El Paso Police Department investigator can access the property information from the website.

Once property has been marked and registered on the website, contact your Regional Crime Prevention Officer to obtain an Operation Identification sticker. Apply the Operation Identification sticker on doors and windows, which might be used for entry. By displaying an Operation ID sticker you are disclosing that your property has been marked and will be difficult for a criminal to sell or pawn. Often the presence of the sticker alone is enough to deter a intruder.

Burglary is one of the most frequently committed crimes in the El Paso area. By participating in Operation ID you are taking an important step to protect your possessions from burglary and theft. There are many other crime prevention anti-burglary precautions that you can take to protect your home, property, business, and family. For further information, contact your Regional Crime Prevention Officer.

MARK THESE POSSESSIONS

The items listed below are those most commonly stolen from homes and business:

Television sets
Stereo equipment
Guns
Radios
Game systems
Car radio/CD players
DVD players
Vacuum cleaners
Fax machine
Cell phones
Scooters
Cameras
Binoculars
Hubcaps
Mag wheels
Lawn mowers
CB radios
Bicycles
Camcorders
Golf clubs
Electric shaver
Tools (hand and power)
Watches, clocks
Musical instruments
Kitchen appliances (Microwave, toaster, etc.)
Computer equipment (CPU, Monitor, keyboard, etc)
Computer printer

UNMARKABLE PROPERTY

If the property is unmarkable, such as antiques, jewelry, silver, artwork, etc., you should inventory, photograph or videotape, and store those records in a safe deposit box.

INVENTORYING

When inventorying and marking property, use a systematic approach. Take one room at a time, as the property is marked or photographed, enter it on your inventory list.

A detailed inventory list will aid you, your insurance company, and the Police Department in establishing your losses and recovering your property.

Inventory List

Volunteer