Unmasking burglars: Decoding the secret signs around us
Burglars who engage in break-ins usually operate planned and organized, especially when they belong to criminal groups specializing in such activities. They often leave hidden messages, serving as instructions for other group members.
These codes can help assess what is in a chosen house or apartment and whether it is worth risking a burglary. Is it possible to protect oneself from burglaries? This question is difficult to answer, but as Business Insider reports, some signs can help prevent such incidents. These signs refer to symbols that criminals leave near our apartments or houses.
How do burglars plan a home break-in?
Burglars usually approach planning a break-in with caution and meticulous preparation. They avoid unnecessary risks and confrontations with the police or homeowners unless they are certain they will find something valuable.
Before a break-in occurs, the crime scene is often initially identified, also known as reconnaissance. For this purpose, burglars may impersonate people, such as electricians, plumbers, or mail carriers, to get a quick look inside the premises.
These are the signs most often left by burglars
The perpetrator may leave a special mark if reconnaissance is successfully carried out. This could be a chalk-drawn mark, cuts on wood, stones arranged in a certain pattern, a lock covered with tape, or even coins or powder on the doormat.
Much information is circulating online about symbols used by criminals planning a burglary. The Business Insider service provides examples of some of them: a cross indicates a planned burglary, a diamond points to an unoccupied house that is easy to rob, five small circles or five stones suggest the presence of money, a triangle indicates that a single woman lives there, and a zigzag symbolizes the presence of a dog on the property.
If you notice suspicious signs near your apartment or house, inform the police. Officers can help determine if there is cause for concern and check if you are being watched. It's worth keeping track of small changes and signs in your surroundings that may indicate a planned burglary.
