Operation ID

This nationwide crime prevention program helps identify property if it should be stolen. Operation Identification is a program centered upon the belief that to prevent crime we must attempt to address the elements of the crime triangle. We attempt to make property less desirable to the criminal element by marking our valuables in such a way that they can be identified, increasing the likelihood that the thief will be caught with stolen goods. By doing this we hope that the criminal will choose to go elsewhere to commit his crimes and if he does take your belongings that if caught we can identify your property, successfully prosecute the thief, and return your property to you.

Engrave Your Property
 

Engraving your valuables with the number on your driver's license or other identifying number will aid police agencies in identifying you as the property's owner. It may also prevent a thief from choosing to steal your belongings because they are more identifiable if they are caught with them. Even if your belongings have a serial number already, engraving your driver's license number will ease identifying you as its owner.

UHDPS has engravers which may be borrowed to engrave your belongings. Please stop by to sign out an engraver. We will simply need for you an ID card with our dispatch office while the engraver is in your possession.
 

Keep a List of Your Valuables

Make a list of all of your valuables using a property inventory form. Make several copies and store them in two or more secure locations, such as a safe, locked drawer or cabinet. Include on your list a full description of the item including color, make, model, year of manufacture, and any other identifiers, including any engraving.

Items to include on your list are MP3 players, stereos, computers (desktop and laptop), printers and any other peripherals, telephones, televisions, radios, and any other belongings. Most electronic equipment has a serial number; anything that does not have any good identifier can be engraved. Also save information about your bicycle (see Bicycle Theft Prevention) and vehicle (insurance policies often include your vehicle's identification number, plate, and other information).

If you have any questions filling out your inventory or locating identifiers, please feel free to contact our Crime Prevention Officer.

Report any Stolen Items  

If any of your belongings are stolen, make a report to UHDPS as soon as possible. Reporting your loss can ease recovery. In addition, every incident is listed in our Daily Crime Bulletin, which alerts the community when such a theft occurs. In addition, valuable items can be entered in the Criminal Justice Information System computer system. This will alert police agencies nationwide of the theft, and will aide in recovering the items if another department recovers them.