The University of Illinois at Springfield Police Department offers the Operation Identification Program on campus. Engravers are available at the campus police department on a first come, first serve basis. One of the most pressing problems facing law enforcement investigators today is the identification of stolen property. In many cases this information is not received for days, weeks, or even months. Operation Identification reduces the profit in crime.
Most burglars steal valuables for resale.
If you permanently mark your items with your Illinois driver's license number, the burglar will be unable to sell them to his middleman or fence. He can't take them to a swap meet or pawn shop. If a criminal knows all valuables in your home are marked, he is likely to look for an easier, more profitable victim. To Protect Yourself Record serial numbers in duplicate, keep a copy in a safe place away from your business or residence, and keep the other copy for ready accessibility. This enables police to trace and return stolen items.