ARE secret markings JUST FAIRY TALES OR ACTUAL SIGNALS?
A harmless chalk drawing on the wall of a house, carved symbols on a letterbox or garage door ... Some people who discover such symbols immediately think of secret markings. After all, these supposed secret signs of burglars have often been a topic of discussion in the media and on social networks in recent times.
The use of the symbols is controversial Whether the secret markings are actually used is controversial. However, many believe that secret markings are not used as often as one might assume from the reports in the media. Anyone who discovers such conspicuous signs near their house or flat should nevertheless take a look at them. After all, there are always copycats. Or children are inspired by the signs and scribble them on walls or the floor.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND A STRANGE DRAWING?
Have you found such a drawing on your house or elsewhere in the neighbourhood? Take a photo of the symbol and the spot. And then wipeaway the supposedly secret markings. Also report your observation to the police. If it is a secret markings, the experts can give you tips on how to proceed.
Many secret markings reflect people's fears
A multitude of secret markings are buzzing through the media landscape and social networks. For example, symbols for "single person", "there's something to get here", "no man in the house" or "old people". They reflect people's concerns about their personal sense of security. Singles and senior citizens are often seen as easy victims. The same applies to single people, especially women, and older people, as they live alone or appear more defenceless due to their age. Because they are assumed to have high material values, burglaries seem to be most worthwhile for well-off people.
Note: The following lists do not claim to be exhaustive. The sources are taken from the daily press and publications in social networks.
THE TOP 10 Secret markings
Here you can find out which secret markings are frequently used. If you find such drawings on your house, you can use them for comparison.
More secret markings
One sign often has several meanings. The reverse is also not uncommon: Different signs can have one and the same meaning. Here is a selection:
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Residents
These secret markings provide clues to the occupants of a house:
Single woman
The house is always occupied, people are at home.
Dog (in the yard)
Only women in the house
Only men in the house
Unoccupied house Unoccupied flat
Two children, two women, one man
Religious residents / Religious house But also: There's something to eat here
Unfriendly people
Socially minded women
People call the police
Active police officers Here is the police in the house
Public authority employee Public authority member
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Material values
These secret markings provide clues to the material values of houses and residents:
Already robbed
A break-in is worthwhile Fat loot Worthwhile object
Favourable for theft
There's nothing to get here
There is something to get here Good object - In preparation for burglary Further meaning: begging prohibited
Nothing interesting Other meaning: There's nothing to get here
There is money here
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Warning
These secret markings are warnings and other tips for fellow crooks:
Hands off - dangerous
Caution: do not audition
Watch out, spanking! Attention, brutal homeowner
Threat from weapon
Avoid this community
Donations for work are only available in return for labour
Work for hire
Overnight stay possible
Be quietly intrusive
Playing sick pays off
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Times of day
These secret markings indicate favourite times of day:
Break in during the day
Break in in the morning Break in in the morning (from the French: le matin = in the morning)
Breaking in at night/evening
Breaking in on Sundays (from the French: dimanche = Sunday) Other meaning: too risky
Break in on a Sunday morning (from the French: dimanche avant-midi = Sunday morning)
Break in on a Sunday afternoon (from the French: dimanche après-midi = Sunday afternoon)
Break in in the afternoon (from the French: après-midi = afternoon)
THE MOST COMMON BURGLARY METHODS
...and how you can protect yourself.
In order to implement effective security measures against burglaries, you need to understand the strategies, techniques and burglary methods of the perpetrators. And know the typical weak points in burglary protection. This is the only way to protect yourself effectively. We have summarised for you what is important.
Whether secret markings are truth or myth is not certain. But with ABUS you are on the safe side. As a rule of thumb, mechanical security systems in combination with electronic solutions provide all-round burglary protection. Find out more in our guide to burglary protection:
