Crime is an unfortunate but growing reality in many parts of the world, and no neighborhood is entirely immune. While the types of crime can vary—from petty theft to more elaborate schemes—one common thread is that criminals are always looking for easy opportunities. And sometimes, those opportunities are right outside our homes.
Staying alert and taking steps to protect what we own is essential. From being discreet in public about our possessions to investing in strong locks or home security systems, every precaution helps. But what if your home was already being watched—and marked?
That’s exactly what police in several regions have been warning about: strange symbols quietly scrawled on or near homes, often in chalk or marker, that serve as secret codes for burglars. These marks tell other criminals whether a home is worth targeting—or better left alone.
What the markings mean
These signs may seem random or meaningless at first glance, but many carry specific coded messages. Here are some of the most commonly reported symbols and what they are believed to indicate:
- Circle with an “X” inside: A quick hit. The house may be risky, so enter and exit fast.
- Clock symbol: Indicates a chain-lock present. May suggest bypassing or skipping the location.
- Rhombus: Home appears unoccupied. Possibly an easy target for looting.
- Horizontal oval: Religious occupants. May be more trusting if approached under religious pretenses.
- (incomplete cylinder): Signals that valuables are present and can be stolen.
- Reverse “L”: Identifies a “charitable” household. May be fooled by fake donation requests.
- Plain circle: Watch out—police presence likely.
- Sailboat symbol: A woman lives alone. May be viewed as a vulnerable target.
- Large X: Residents are away on vacation—prime opportunity for break-in.
- Box with three vertical lines inside: Suggests only women live here.
- Full rectangle with three vertical lines: There’s a dog—potential threat to burglars.
- S-shaped symbols: House considered “ideal” for robbery.
- Five small diagonal dots: Use force or tools to gain entry.
- Three small horizontal circles: Location is prepped and “ready to rob.”
- Two “C” shapes, one reversed inside the other: Targets someone disabled or defenseless.
- Five vertical lines: Not worth the effort—move on.
- Two vertical lines, one horizontal, then two more vertical: Nothing of interest inside.
- Three vertical lines: Same meaning—home is empty or low-value.
- Triangle: Already been robbed—nothing left to take.
Stay alert—small signs can mean big danger
Most of these signs are small and easy to miss. They can be drawn in chalk near your mailbox, on your fence, or even on the pavement just outside your home. Some may be etched into wood or left as faint markings on door frames.
Take a moment every so often to walk the perimeter of your home. Look closely at gates, walls, doorposts, and nearby sidewalks. If you spot any unfamiliar or suspicious markings, don’t ignore them—report them to local authorities, take a photo, and remove the marks immediately.
While it may seem far-fetched, these symbols have been documented by law enforcement in various locations. It’s a reminder that criminals don’t just rely on luck—they gather information, and sometimes, they communicate in code.