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Operation Provident - A National Business Identification Program

Criminals don't like marked property. Businesses are encouraged to participate in the Operation Provident program. Not only does placing identifying numbers on company property deter would-be thieves, it also assists police in the recovery and return of property to the rightful owner. The program consists of the following:

1. An Operation Provident number is assigned by police services to any business requesting participation in the program.

2. The business engraves or stamps this number in a conspicuous location on tools, equipment, business machines, furnishings and other items which may be attractive to would-be thieves. Each business or organization is required to obtain its own marking tools, which consist of standard or heavy-duty engravers and metal stamping dies.

3. "WARNING" decals available from police crime prevention units can then be placed on marked items as well as on entrance doors and windows.