Lynnwood Police Department Community Education 19321 44th Avenue West  -  PO Box 5008  -  Lynnwood, WA 98046-5008 Emergency: 911  -  Front Desk: 425 744-6900 Operation Identification

What is Operation Identification? Operation Identification is a citizens' burglary prevention program for use in homes and businesses. The Operation Identification program involves marking property with your Washington State identifier 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 Identification program has two parts. First Mark your valuables with your WASHINGTON STATE DRIVERS LICENSE NUMBER preceded by "WADL" or your WASHINGTON STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD NUMBER preceded by "WAID". Businesses can use their WASHINGTON STATE TAX NUMBER preceded by "WATX". Your property then can be easily traced and identified as yours. Do not use your Social Security Number. Do not engrave valuables such as heirlooms, paintings, antiques, silver, china, or items that you will be selling for profit. Second Display the 3 inch by x 4 inch International/Washington State Operation Identification logos on or near your perimeter doors and vulnerable windows. This tells would-be burglars that your property is marked and to go elsewhere. How Do I Participate? You can either purchase your own engraving tool or you can contact the Lynnwood Police Department 24 hours a day at (425) 744-6939 and make arrangements to borrow an engraving tool at no cost to you. Engrave your Driver's License Number, Identification Number, or Tax Identification Number on property that is of value to you. An example, using your Driver's License Number, should look like this: WADL-PUBLIJQ50DL1 The number should be engraved on an area that cannot be easily dismantled, and which is easily seen. You may also want to engrave an area that is not easily seen. Small Operation Identification stickers can be put on the individual items to advertise you have marked your property and create a greater deterrent. To obtain the Operation Identification stickers, contact The Lynnwood Police Department, or your local law enforcement agency, AFTER you have engraved your property. By advertising your participation in Operation Identification, you are announcing that your valuable property has been marked and will be difficult for a burglar to re-sell. If you sell your engraved items, etch one line through your Driver's License Number so that it is still readable, initial it, and give the buyer a bill of sale describing the property. While marking your property, make a list of all your valuables. List the brand name, model, serial number, and the date purchased, along with the value of each item. An inventory list can be picked up from the Lynnwood Police Department or you can print the Lynnwood Police Department Inventory List Form from this site. When you have finished your inventory, make a duplicate and keep it in a safe place away from the home. Most insurance agents will be happy to keep it in a safe-deposit box. Should you suffer a major loss, this detailed listing will be vital because your insurance agent will require the best possible documentation to verify your claim. The inventory list will also be of great help to the Lynnwood Police Department in our attempts to recover the stolen property. It is further recommended that you supplement this inventory with photographs. Photograph valuable items that are inappropriate for marking, such as works of art, antiques, china, silver, furs, and similar items. Then photograph or videotape each room, cupboard, closet (don't forget the garage and vehicles) in a way that will show all furnishings and accessories. Operation Identification is a powerful deterrent to burglary. To learn more about other burglary deterrents such as Neighborhood Watch, Auxiliary Locking Devices for your doors and windows, and Alarm Systems, please call the Lynnwood Police Department crime prevention office at (425) 744-6939 during normal business hours. Related Web Sites & Resources Lynnwood Police Department Inventory List Form

Copyright ©2010 Lynnwood Police Department. All rights reserved.	Ccontent was last updated on: Oct 24, 2004