Operation ID Help police recover your property if it's ever stolen.   By marking your valuables, you’ll make it easier for law enforcement to trace and return your property in the event of a burglary or robbery. Download the Operation ID Brochure* About the Program Operation ID is a proven way to help deter property theft and recover valuable items taken during a burglary. By marking what’s yours with an invisible ink, you’ll make it easier for police to return your property should you become the victim of burglary, street robbery, or snatching. Nationally, since 1963, the program has been proven successful in deterring would-be burglars from targeting homes that display the Operation ID decal. It’s also helped police agencies across the country in returning stolen goods to their rightful owners, rather than helping line the pockets of criminals. Mark Your Property Using a free ultraviolet marking pen provided by the Metropolitan Police Department, homeowners mark their possessions with their last name and driver’s license number* so that the property is identified without being visible to thieves. Because marked property is difficult to dispose of, marking it can discourage burglars and thieves from trying to pawn it or sell it to others. Unlike traditional engraving techniques which can be obscured and rendered ineffective, invisible ink makes it nearly impossible for thieves to detect and remove. The pen can mark on nearly any surface and the ink is water and rub resistant. See package instructions for details. Mark These Items Answering machines Bicycles Binoculars Camcorders Car audio systems Computers and peripherals (monitors, printers, CD writers, etc.) DVD/BluRay players and DVRs Satellite TV receivers Fishing rods, reels Golf clubs Guns Jewelry Kitchen appliances Lawn mowers Mag wheels and wheel covers Portable microwaves and other small appliances MP3 players Musical instruments Outboard motors Radios Stereo equipment and amplifiers Tape recorders Telephones Tools (hand and power) Televisions and TV set-top boxes Vacuum cleaners In addition to marking your items, it’s a good idea to create an inventory of your valuables, including the make, model, color, serial number, and location where you’ve marked the item for your major electronics, equipment, and other valuables (see the list of suggestions below). A Valuable Property Record form is available here). Be sure to keep the list in a safe place. Display the Placard After you’ve marked your items and made a list of your property, display the Operation ID placard on doors and windows that could be used for entry. By advertising your participation in Operation ID, you are announcing that your valuable property has been marked and will be difficult for a burglar to sell. The placard is available for download here. How to Mark Your Items Using your invisible ink pen, mark your items in a place where the mark is least likely to be handled often. Although the ink in the invisible pen is water and rub resistant, avoid placing the marks in an area where your fingers will regularly come in contact with the writing. If this is unavoidable, re-marking occasionally may be required. What to Write. For each item you will mark, write your last name and your driver’s license number. Include the two-character abbreviation for your state (DC, MD, VA, etc.) before writing the number. Most states now use a unique number (i.e., Soundex), rather than the individual’s Social Security Number. If your license still uses your SSN, it is highly recommended that you request a new ID with a unique number other than your SSN and use that number to mark your items. If you don’t drive, request a non-driver’s identification, which uses a unique identifying number. Where to Mark Your Items For personal electronics, mark the items in an inconspicuous location on the back side of the device. Our officers are trained to look for the marks on the bottom right corner of the device first. If your phone or MP3 device has a cover or bumper, it’s a good idea to write the mark where the cover will protect it against wear. For other electronic equipment such as televisions, video recorders, and other devices, mark the item on the bottom of the device or, if possible, near the power input on the back panel. For tools and other equipment, mark the item at the base or near the power cord. No matter what the item, be as consistent as possible in where you mark similar items. Record Where You’ve Marked the Device When you create your list of valuables, it’s a good idea to also write down where on the item you have marked it. This way, if your property is recovered, you can help law enforcement quickly confirm your rightful ownership. Periodically check using the UV light to make sure that the marks are still legible. Re-apply the identifying information if necessary.  *If you don't have a driver's license, use a nondriver's ID or other identifier. Never put your Social Security Number on your property. For More Information Operation ID pens are available in limited supply. For more information or to get an Operation ID pen, please contact a Community Outreach Coordinator: Carolyn L. Smith, First District, (202) 698-0315 Officer Rhonda Hardy, Second District (202) 730-1901 Marco Santiago, Third District, (202) 497-1060 Joy Elliott-Freeman, Fourth District, (202) 270-1640 Fayette Vaughn-Lee, Fifth District, (202) 698-0188 Julia Irving, Sixth District, (202) 698-1315 Lendia Johnson, Seventh District, (202) 439-5475