NCJ Number
82367
Date Published
1981
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Implementation procedures are described for Virginia's Operation Identification Program, a program designed to deter burglary and facilitate the recovery of stolen property.
Abstract
Operation Identification involves applying identifying numbers or owner-applied numbers (OAN's) to property by permanently engraving the number with an electric or manual engraver. Virginia legislation has established the use of the social security number preceded by the letters VA as the system for OAN's. Most of the theft deterrent potential of the program is in the use of window or door stickers by participants to warn potential thieves that property is marked for easy identification by law enforcement personnel. All law enforcement agencies are encouraged to maintain records of participants in the program. Operation Identification can deter theft of marked property by reducing the ease with which stolen property can be resold, and it increases apprehension and conviction rates of theft suspects by increasing positive identification of recovered stolen property. Ways of fostering participation in the program include police and civic group sponsorship of direct inhome engraving, an engraver loan program, engraving sessions, and employers making available engraving equipment and instructions to their employees. Appended are a sample sheet for a property inventory, sample window and door stickers, and a sample loan agreement for engraving tools.