Operation ID

Operation ID is a theft prevention program coordinated by the Wright State University Police Crime Prevention Unit. This program assists WSU community members with a service marking/engraving property with an identifying number to aid in the inventory and recovery of stolen items.

This program suggests that owners fill in model numbers, serial numbers, and complete descriptions of each item on a Record of Valuable Property form. This form should then be stored in a safe place for future reference.

Operation ID sessions can be scheduled for your residence community, university department, or be conducted in the Crime Prevention Office, 118 Campus Services Building. Student groups may sign out engraving tools by contacting the Crime Prevention Officer at (937) 775-2992.

Why is it important for me to mark my property?

When an item is recovered by the Police Department every effort is made to locate the owner. In many situations this is done by checking the item for identifying marks and checking the serial number to determine if the item has been reported stolen. When an owner reports an item stolen to the Police Department and he does not have the serial number(s), the item will not be traceable via the serial number. If the owner has the marked the stolen property with an identifying number and recorded the information on a Record of Valuable Property form then it is will be possible to identify this property by the serial number or marking/engraving.

How can I have my property marked?

With the assistance of the Crime Prevention Sergeant, possessions are engraved with a unique identification mark (usually a social security number). This mark along with the make, model, and serial number are recorded on a Record of Valuable Property form.

You should keep this form in a secure place. In the event of a theft, you can present this form to investigating officer so that the officer will have all identifying numbers to add to the report. This information aids us in recovering your property.

Which property should I mark and record?

Anything of value that a thief could carry away—write down serial numbers on those items. Items such as jewelry that contain inscriptions—listed as an Owner Applied Number. Be sure to advise the investigating officer that you have serial number information for your missing item.

Examples of items that should be marked and recorded are: cameras, bicycles, radios, televisions, binoculars, VCRs, watches, stereos, hand & power tools, computers, gardening tools, typewriters, kitchen appliances, musical instruments, and sports equipment.