You I.D. Kids And Pets, Don't Forget The Trailer

Here's a hot tip for trailer owners, there's a free identification program just for you, Saturday, July 27, in Ruskin.

That's when members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will be on hand to register trailers into the Trailer Identification Program, at the District IV Office at 508 33rd St. S.E., from 8 a.m. to noon.

There is no charge for residents living in unincorporated Hillsborough County. Through the program a unique number is assigned to record the identification of each trailer, which well be made available to deputies in case of theft. Also, photographs will be taken of each trailer to assist in identification.

"Often, trailers are stolen and frequently recovered, however being able to
positively identify the trailer remains an issue, when all of the identifying
numbers, commonly known as Vehicle Identification Numbers, have been removed," according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office report on the program.  

One further tip: "Protecting your property begins with you," the report notes, "so in addition to participating in T.I.P., remember to secure your trailer with a hitch lock or lock and chain."

As for kids and pets, here's some useful links:

• The FBI Child's ID App

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Child ID Kit

• American Humane Association, Identification & Microchips