Criminal codes used in Exeter to show burglars which homes are most vulnerable
Burglars in Exeter and across Devon are using symbols drawn on or near properties to indicate which homes to target.
An image posted by TorbayCID has identified eight different symbols used by criminals in Devon showing if a house is alarmed, has been burgled before, is a good target, is too risky, is wealthy or has nothing worth stealing.
The Exeter Neighborhood Police Team confirmed that the images have been spotted in the city and have been ‘drawn where they would be seen by passing vehicles e.g drive entrances’.
Devon and Cornwall Police released the image to warn homeowners of the code.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
@TorbayCID posted; ‘they will be left in or around your property and if you are vulnerable you may not notice them but other criminals might.’
Alarmingly, other symbols used indicate if there is a vulnerable female in the home, or if the occupant is nervous/afraid.
If you spot one of these symbols the public are being advised to report it to a local officer or call the non-emergency number on 101.
Comments
by angerelle
Thursday, January 10 2013, 12:14PM
“@TorbayCID has admitted on Twitter that they haven't actually seen any of these symbols in their area (but the Daily Mail reported about it happening in 2009 in Surrey, so hey, it must be going on in Devon in 2013)”
by kazfielder
Thursday, January 10 2013, 9:16AM
“It is a well established scam - it's not to alert other burglars it is used within organised theft teams/groups!”
by fannybaws
Wednesday, January 09 2013, 8:41PM
“What a load of old tosh, as if a burglar cares enough to help a fellow burglar.”
by kazfielder
Wednesday, January 09 2013, 8:00PM
“This was a well known scam in Spain whilst I lived there from 2002-2006 - funny how these scams have a habit of appearing in the UK - wonder how they get here??????”