To help reduce property crime in Savannah- Chatham, Metro Police are participating in a national program called Operation Identification.

Operation Identification is a Crime Prevention tool used to help reduce thefts of property. Mr. David White, a Savannah resident allowed Metro Police and the media to come to his house to demonstrate how the program works.

Crime Prevention Officers marked Mr. White’s property and record the markings under the Operation Identification guidelines. Operation Identification (Operation ID) is a citizen’s burglary prevention program for use in homes and businesses. The Operation ID program involves marking property with an identifying number as a means of discouraging burglary and theft.

It also provides police with a way to identify property should it be stolen and recovered.

In communities where it has been properly implemented, Operation ID has shown dramatic results in burglary reduction.

Marked property is difficult for a burglar to dispose of—it can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease.

And, if a burglar is caught with marked property, it is solid evidence of possession of stolen goods.

Once property has been marked and a list made, display the Operation Identification sticker on doors and windows that could be used for entry.

By advertising your participation in Operation Identification in this way, you are announcing that your valuable property has been marked and will be difficult for a burglar to sell. Often, the presence of the sticker alone is enough to deter a burglar.

For additional information on Operation Identification, go to scmpd.org and click on the link.