Operation ID - is it still being used?

[Tom7227]

Does anyone know if they still use Operation ID? FYI a long time ago you could contact the local police and get a number to etch onto your stuff that would help police get it back to you if they recovered it after a burglary. I just went through my power tools and all of a sudden there seems to be a lot of unmarked stuff.

Thanks for your time.

Tom

[croixflats]

Still going. Though some communities have pulled out of the program so a call to your local police department may be in order.

[jentz]

Still going. Though some communities have pulled out of the program so a call to your local police department may be in order.

What a joke that program was/is.My Dad put his initials and the last 4 numbers of his SS # On all his tools,Took a LONG time!! He did have a thief steal some of the tools,When the police showed they didnt care about getting the code my father put on his tools,They kinda of chuckled and just said numbers or not you'll never see those tools again! My dad got a bit ticked, and questioned about the publicity the program had and he followed it to have a chance to retrive his tools.The Cop stated right out it was to give people a sense of security,But how are we suppose to go around checking everyons tools for your etched on code!

[croixflats]

Still a good idea to mark your tools. If I remember correctly when you enter the program they give you a dedicated # you put on your tools and is stored in a national data base so any ole # wont work. You are right chances of getting tools back is slim but if a sting operation turns up a boat load of tools and bikes and other misc. items and they are not marked how do they get returned to the rightful owner? I think your dad and the officer was confused how the program worked.

In our neighborhood we had a rash of garage break ins turned out to be kids from the neighboring town. Those that had records of showing identity got their tools back the rest went to auction.

I believe it is up to the community to have the program in place and to have the enforcement agency to recognize the program.