wjm@whuxl.UUCP (MITCHELL) (07/14/84)
<gulp,gulp> I agree, Operation ID is a great idea. Often you can borrow an engraver to mark a permanent ID on your valuables from your local police department. Whatever you do, DONT use your Social Security Number as the ID, it can't be traced, since the law prohibits the Social Security Administration from releasing SSN's to the police. A driver's license number is one option, but since some of us don't (or can't) drive, there are several other options. 1) If you are a ham, use your ham call - an option I use myself, since the call can easily be looked up in the Radio Amateur Callbook or traced through the FCC. 2) Unfortunately, the serial numbers on much electronic gear is not permanently marked on it (I've noticed this with much stereo equipment). Engrave the serial number on the chassis of the equipment. Then record the serial numbers and give the police a copy of the list if the things are ripped off. One advantage of this approach is that it does not destroy the resale value of the equipment. In fact it can be a selling feature --- Case history: A friend of mine bought some stereo gear from me (a receiver and a pair of speakers) a while ago. Like all my stereo equipment, the serial numbers were quite permanently and prominently engraved on the items. Unfortunately, he was ripped off and the thieves took his brand new tape deck and turntable. However, they left the receiver and speakers after seeing the ID eq engraved on them. Operation ID works - It can keep your stuff from being taken and can help you get it back if it is swiped. Bill Mitchell (whuxl!wjm)
seifert@ihuxl.UUCP (D.A. Seifert) (07/17/84)
> 1) If you are a ham, use your ham call - an option I use myself, since the > call can easily be looked up in the Radio Amateur Callbook or traced through > the FCC. This is fine, except that most of us won't recognize it as a ham call. > 2) Unfortunately, the serial numbers on much electronic gear is not permanently > marked on it (I've noticed this with much stereo equipment). This is fairly stupid. (although maybe it helps them sell more units as replacements :-) ) Putting the serial mumber on it permanently sounds like the best idea. Especially if you might sell it in the future. -- _____ /_____\ "Get out there and keep moving forward!" /_______\ - Leo Franchi |___| Snoopy ____|___|_____ ihnp4!ihuxl!seifert
abo@pucc-h (Doll) (07/17/84)
The National Crime Information Computer (or something similar) is a nation wide network tying all law inforcement agencies together. The standard approach for identifying an individual is by either their social security number or their name and date of birth. If you have ever legally driven a car or earned money in the US, you are in there along with your address, description and any crime, misdeminor or parking ticket. The base key for the data base is your social security number ( which is why they tell you to put your social security number on property for protection, if recovered by the police anywhere in the US, you will get notified). Lew Doll Purdue University Computing Center
kiessig@idi.UUCP (Rick Kiessig) (07/19/84)
NO! Do not put your social security number on any
property that you wish to have recovered by the police! I
worked for the police department when I was in school, and
they had an entire room full of stuff that they couldn't
get back to their original owners because it was incorrectly
marked with social security numbers instead of drivers license
numbers. DLs are easily looked up over computer terminals
that are present in most police departments. SSNs are just
about IMPOSSIBLE to look up. The stuff that was recovered
with SSNs on it was eventually sold at auction.
--
Rick Kiessig
{decvax, ucbvax}!sun!idi!kiessig
{akgua, allegra, amd70, burl, cbosgd, dual, ihnp4}!idi!kiessig
Phone: 408-996-2399