Operation Identification

What is Operation Identification?

Operation Identification is a citizen's burglary prevention program for use in homes and business. The Operation ID program involves the marking of property with an identifying number, recording important information and using digitally photography  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 two parts.

• First: Mark your valuables with your Driver's License Number so that your property can be easily traced and identified as yours.
• Second: Display a sticker which tells would-be burglars that your property has been marked.

What Makes Operation Identification So Effective?

Marked property is difficult for a burglar to dispose of or re-sell. It can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease. If the burglar is caught with marked property, It is solid evidence of possession of stolen goods.

How to Participate

To participate in Operation Identification call the Wichita Police Department and ask about borrowing an electric engraving tool. If they have one available, it can be picked up from any of our four substations.  There is no charge to use the engraver, however it must be returned within forty-eight hours. Valid ID is required to sign out engraver. 

When marking your valuables (owner applied #), always use your Drivers License Number, never your Social Security number. Also, always use the two letter state identifier along with your license number.  Notice there are no gaps or spaces in the numbers shown.                 

" KS526123456KS "

As you mark your items, always engrave the number on an area that cannot be easily dismantled, and which is not easily seen.

After marking your property, make a list of your valuables (online form available) and keep a copy of the list in a safe place. If you should subsequently become a burglary victim, you will be able to quickly describe the stolen property from the list.  Of course some items cannot be marked and we suggest a photograph of these items. The online form will allow you to attach photos to the forms. This will be of great help to the police department in our attempts to recover the stolen property.

Once property has been marked and a list made, display an Operation Identification sticker (click here for order form) on doors and windows which might be used for entry. By advertising your participation in "Operation ID" in this way, you are announcing that your valuable property has been marked and will be difficult for a burglar to re-sell. Often the presence of the sticker alone may be enough to deter a burglar.

"Burglary is one of the most frequently committed crimes in the United States. By participating in Operation Identification you are taking one important step to protect your possessions from burglary and theft."