San Andreas, CA…What is an Owner Applied Number and why do I need an OAN? Stolen vehicles are linked to their owners through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Stolen livestock can be traced through brands registered with the Bureau of Livestock identification. What about your farm machinery, supplies and personal property? Suppose you had a chain saw stolen from your shop. Law Enforcement Officers apprehended a suspect with a number of chain saws in his possession. Could you distinguish your chainsaw from those on hand? Could you expect to get yours back?
Thanks to a nationally established system your property would be returned if it was marked with an Owner Applied Number.

This number is uniquely yours. It is stored in a database in the National Crime Information Center. When property with your OAN is discovered, the marked property can be traced and returned to you from anywhere in the United States.

OAN Example: CA 054 0001 A, (CA) – The first two letters stand for the state in which you OAN was issued. (054) – The next three numbers are assigned to the county in which your OAN was issued. (0001) – The next four numbers are computer generated numbers. (A) – The last letter is the first letter of your last name.

OAN numbers can be stamped, engraved, or painted on to farm equipment, logging equipment, mechanical equipment etc.
Where do I sign up for my OAN? Previously, Tulare County was the nearest OAN registration. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is finalizing the creation of our own locally based numbering system. To sign up and receive an OAN please contact Rural Crimes Prevention Task Force Sergeant Greg Stark at (209) 754-6783.

THEFT PREVENTION TIPS

•Maintain an inventory list of equipment, complete with engine numbers, make and model, year, color, capacity or any other information that will help you identify lost items.

•When possible, bring major equipment in from the work site each night and lock in a barn or shed.

•If equipment must be left out overnight, put it where it can be seen from your house or park it near a neighbor’s house. Keep equipment away from roads where it is vulnerable to theft and vandalism.

•Keep boats, snowmobiles, bikes, ATVs and other small equipment locked in a building or secured to a stationary object with case hardened chains and padlocks.

•If motorized equipment must be left outside or idle for long periods, remove the rotor, distributor cap or battery to prevent theft.

•Do not leave tools and other equipment in the back of a pickup truck, lock tool boxes.

•Keep storage areas neat and well organized to keep track of equipment and discourage potential thieves.

•Lock up chemicals; if stolen, they can be resold.

•Request that chemicals be delivered on the day needed and not before.

•Install audible alarms on outbuildings to prevent illegal entry.

•Make a note of any suspicious vehicle or person that you notice and send information to the Sheriff’s Office.