Campus Security
Operation ID
Operation Identification is a nationally recognized property identification program open to all members of the Elmhurst College community. Part of the Crime Watch Program, Operation ID's goal is to deter thefts and burglary and aid in the recovery of stolen property. This is accomplished by engraving personal belongings and tracking important identifying information about such items. Marked property is difficult for a thief or burglar to dispose of or resell, and can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease. If a person is caught with marked property, it is solid evidence of possession of stolen goods.
What Items Should Be Engraved?
The rule of thumb is this: mark anything of value that a thief could easily cart away.
Use this checklist:
Television
Calculators
Stereo and components
Computers (desktops and laptops)
Cameras
Handheld PCs
Radios
Cell phones
VCRs/DVD players
Disk players
How to Participate
To participate in Operation Identification, call the Assistant Director at ext. 3291 for information or stop by the Office of Campus Security between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. any day. The Assistant Director will provide you with the engraver and instruct you on using it. Campus Security accepts no responsibility for any damage that might be done to internal components of electronic devices engraved.
After marking your property, make a list of your valuables and keep a copy in a safe place. Record the following information about each item:
- Brand name
- Model number
- Serial number
- Estimated value (i.e., original purchase or replacement price)
- Color
- Any other descriptive information
For Students
Send a copy of the above list home to a parent or guardian. If you subsequently become the victim of a theft or burglary, you will be able to quickly describe the stolen property to Campus Security from the list. It is also recommended that you videotape or photograph your valuables, especially jewelry that can lose value by being engraved. Videotapes and photographs can also help in the recovery of items. Send the videotape home or secure it in a safe or fireproof container.
Remember, living in a residence hall has potential disadvantages as well as advantages. The chance for your valuables to be missing increases as the number of people who have access to your room increases. Even short trips to the laundry room or restroom can give a thief the opportunity to take some of your valuables. Make it that much harder to become a victim by participating in Operation Identification!
