Engraving your personal property not only gives you a chance at recovering stolen items, it also warns potential thieves that your property is traceable by law enforcement. Personal property consists of jewelry, electronics, household items, tools or anything which can be engraved. Most often these are the items which are attractive to a thief and can be easily taken.

Engraving property is simple and the engravers are easy to use. City of Orange residents can borrow electric engravers from the Orange Police Department to mark their belongings. The engravers are available at the Records Bureau or Crime Prevention Bureau of the police department, and at the Main branch and the Taft branch of the Orange Public Library. Along with the engraver, you will receive a helpful instruction pamphlet and an inventory log to record your property. When the engraving is completed, "Operation Identification" window stickers are available to display in your home or business to warn thieves and burglars.

Electronic engravers can also be purchased from your local hardware or home improvement stores for just a few dollars. If you acquire your own engraver, please remember that you may not want to engrave such items as antiques, heirlooms, some jewelry, or collectibles. Videotape recordings, photographs, receipts or appraisals, and a full written description of these items would be more appropriate and are invaluable if required by your insurance company to cover replacement.

The Orange Police Department encourages you to utilize our engravers and safeguard your property. If you have any questions about the "Operation Identification" program, please contact the Crime Prevention Bureau.