The Southwest Detectives Division encourage citizens to participate in their recently launched anti-burglary program Operation ID. Currently the program is piloting in West Philly (12th, 16th, 18th, and 19th Districts) and is coming soon to the entire city. The program has existed in other cities for decades. Here is the national site.

The program participants receive specially coded labels to tag their valuable items that the police could trace back to them in case they get stolen. Police say that thieves and burglars are “less likely to steal an item that can be positively identified and that will be difficult to sell.” The labels will also aid in locating owners of the stolen or lost property and help criminal prosecution in pursuing the case through the courts. Finally, item identification should help in recovery as stolen or lost property is more likely to be returned to the owner.

In addition to the labels, those who participate in the program receive special window stickers (pictured) to discourage burglary at your place.

OK it’s not an armed guard at your door, but every little bit of prevention is useful.

If you are interested in applying for this program, go here for more information and to download an application form or stop by your police district. NOTE: You need to be a Pennsylvania citizen to be accepted in the program.

Here is more information on the 12th, 16th, 18th and 19th District headquarters:

12th District
65th St. and Woodland Ave.
police.co_12@phila.gov
215-686-3120

16th District
39th St and Lancaster Ave.
police.co_16@phila.gov
215-686-3160

18th District
55th St and Pine St.
police.co_18@phila.gov
215-686-3180

19th District
61st St and Thompson St.
police.co_19@phila.gov
215-686-3190