July 27, 2006

Public may check out electric engraving pens from San Jose
libraries to deter thieves and aid in recovery of stolen property

The San Jose Police Department in partnership with Target and the City Library System has announced the return of the Operation Identification Program.

Operation Identification is a nationally recognized property identification program that allows law enforcement agencies to identify and return stolen items to the rightful owners. The goal of this program is to deter thefts and aid in the recovery of stolen property.

It is based on the premise that one of the most effective tools to help prevent crime is a simple electric engraving pen. With this pen, you can inscribe your driver’s license number on items of value in and around your home.
As part of Operation Identification, electric engraving pens are available without charge on a loan basis from any of the libraries in the city of San Jose.

Operation Identification supports the Neighborhood Watch Program, where a group of citizens gather to watch over each other and their homes or businesses.

This program was made possible by a grant from Target, which has a history of partnering with law enforcement and criminal justice organizations to build stronger, safer communities.