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MODESTO, CA - The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department is encouraging Stanislaus County residents to get involved with the Owner-Applied Number (OAN) program. Due to the widespread concern of increasing rural theft, the OAN program was initiated by the State of California for the identification of farm machinery, equipment, tools, and household goods.
“The Owner Applied Numbering system is an outstanding tool for law enforcement to use in identifying property that may have been stolen,” said Lt Mick Hardenbrook, Investigations Division Commander. “How can a thief deny being in possession of stolen property when a number unique to the owner is attached to the piece of equipment or other property?" The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department has trained the STARS volunteers on how to issue the OAN to individuals. The department has also purchased the equipment used to apply and stamp the OAN onto machinery and equipment. STARS volunteers will come to your ranch or house free of charge to apply the OAN stamps. Using the OAN program can help deter the criminal before the theft has taken place. It has been proven that thieves are hesitant to take items that can be readily identified.
The OAN is composed of ten characters. The Federal Bureau of Investigation established a system where each state and county is assigned a number, the first five characters, that are recorded in the National Crime Information Center. The county assigns the remaining five characters in the OAN to each individual. The California Sheriff’s Association, the California Highway Patrol, Far West Equipment dealers Association, and the California Farm Bureau are adopting the OAN program.
To apply for an Owner-Applied Number or to have as STARS volunteer come out to your home or property, please contact Detective Andrew Hinkle at (209) 525-7096 or visit the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s website at www.stanislaussheriff.com where the application from can be downloaded.
For information regarding this press release please contact Deputy Royjindar Singh (209) 652-6597.
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