As a rule, burglars do not like handling marked property because it is difficult to dispose of and can be easily traced.

Operation Identification is a Halton Regional Police Service program designed to discourage the theft of personal valuables from your home and other locations by providing an easy way for you to identify stolen property.

By first marking items that could be targeted by thieves, such as laptops, high-end digital cameras and MP3 players with an electronic engraver available to borrow for free from the HRPS Community Policing Services, and then using police-issued decals at various points of entry into your residence or place of business, burglary can be prevented.

• Mark your valuables for permanent identification with an electric engraver
• Maintain a record of property you have marked, descriptions of each and your identification mark
• Use easy-to-remember numbers such as your birthday or anniversary. Apply your mark to non-removable and/or hidden parts of your valuables.
• Once you have engraved your property, place the HRPS issued decals on windows or doors at the front and back of your home.

To aid the Halton Regional Police Service in protecting your property and preventing burglary, consider participating in Operation Identification.