burglar ‘codes’ used to mark your home before a break-in€¦ · your home security system are...

Burglar ‘codes’ used to mark your home before a break-in

Call us on +44 (0) 345 658 3430

Email us on [email protected]

Knight Security Group / March 2019

Call us on +44 (0) 345 658 3430 / Email us on [email protected]

Burglar signs and symbols used as a code to mark property before a

break-in have been known about for a number of years; to counter these,

here are some ways to protect your home from crime. Look out for this

drawing on walls, doors and even bins outside your property.

The markings are used by burglars to communicate with each other

and let each other know which properties are easiest to break in to,

and which should be avoided.

Meanings include ‘alarmed house’, ‘previously burgled’, ‘good target’,

and ‘vulnerable occupant’. Others are ‘nothing worth stealing’, ‘too risky’,

‘wealthy’, and ‘occupants afraid’.

These markings are usually found on the property itself, but have

also been detected on pavements, curbs and roads close by.

Signs and symbols



In addition to these markings,

white stones and advertising

stickers attached to bins with fake

locksmith contact details have also

been used as a way of marking

vulnerable properties.

The markings are thought to

provide potential housebreakers

details about the building, such

as whether it is a good target or

has an alarm, or whether it has

been previously been targeted

successfully.

Marks can also be used to flag

up homes which are empty during

the day or unoccupied for long

periods of time.

Research has shown that people

who have been burgled have a

one-in-four chance of falling victim

again in the same property.

However, there are plenty of tips

that homeowners can follow to help

protect their homes from burglary.

Even something as simple as

being on good terms with your

neighbours will help, as they can

keep an eye on your property when

you’re away and alert you of any

suspicious activity.



Joining the Knight Security /

WRSCIC scheme and updating

your home security system are

vital to help protect your home

from thieves, as they work as

both a great visual deterrent

and in securing your property

from potential attacks.

Home alarms and CCTV systems

are a must have, with statistics

emphasising that homes with CCTV

are 90% less likely to get burgled.

It is also crucial not to forget

the importance of utilising your

traditional security measures,

including cylinder locks and

nightlatches. Making sure your

lock is Kitemarked to a suitable

standard protects your home

against all known attack methods,

shows opportunistic thieves that

your security is of the highest

quality, and is also an effective

visual deterrent for burglars to

encourage them to move on

elsewhere.

Research has found that one

in ten of those who had been

burgled did not upgrade their

existing security systems,

making them more vulnerable

to repeated attacks.

Dr Claire Nee, a psychologist

at the University of Portsmouth

who has worked extensively with

convicted criminals, has stated:

“While only a small proportion of

burglars use these codes or work

in ‘packs’ tipping each other off,

householders should be vigilant

and report anything to the police.

Perhaps more importantly,

homeowners should assess and

address the natural vulnerabilities

of their properties such as rear and

side access, and cues showing that

no-one is home, in order to reduce

the chances of burglary.” Knight

Security is here to assist residents

with these vital assessments.



Other examples of ‘marking’:

A current trend that have been passed to us by Surrey Police indicate

that a criminal modus operandi is to break into the rear of a residence

and target cash and valuable watches – please ensure that these are

not left on display, but secured in a safe place (there are many types

of residential safes available, Knight Security can advise you on these).


Call us on +44 (0) 345 658 3430

Email us on [email protected]

For more information


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