Operation Identification

Operation Identification (Operation ID) is a citizen’s burglary prevention program for use in homes and businesses. It involves all citizens and is designed to discourage burglary and theft by permanently identifying valuables.

About the Program

The Operation Identification program involves marking your property with your Washington State identifier number as a means of discouraging burglary or theft. 

Should your property be stolen or lost, it helps the police to contact you when the property is recovered and lets you identify it so it can be returned to you. In communities where it has been properly implemented, Operation Identification has shown dramatic results in its ability to reduce burglaries.

  1. Participating
  2. Marking Valuables
  3. Engraving Tips

You can easily and quickly participate in Operation ID by simply following these steps:

  1. Purchase an electric engraving tool or contact your Longview Police Department (LPD) Block Watch coordinator to make arrangements to borrow one.
  2. Check to see if your local Block Watch group is participating in Operation ID so they may be able to assist you in marking your valuables.
  3. Engrave all articles of value, especially those most likely to be stolen: i.e. stereos, televisions, appliances, DVD players, tools, etc.
  4. Engrave your Driver’s License Number (WADL), Identification Number (WAID) or Tax Identification Number (WATX) on your property. Do not use your Social Security number! An example of your driver’s license number should look like this: WADL-PUBLIJQ50DLI
  5. While marking your property, make a list of all valuables. List the brand name, model, serial number and the date purchased, along with the value. Record information on the attached inventory form, make a duplicate and keep it in a safe place away from the home. When reporting thefts, this information is crucial in identifying items as being yours and listing the items as stolen in local and national computer databases.
  6. Displaying Operation ID warning stickers on property and in windows to advertise you have marked your property. This acts as a deterrent to the burglar because marked items are harder to get rid of.