Pictures of secret graffiti codes used by criminal gangs to target homes worth robbing have been revealed to warn homeowners to beware.
Detectives have discovered how burglars use their own special language to communicate with each other about how best to rob homes.
Their codes, scribbled on lamp posts, walls, or driveways, indicate whether the inhabitants are 'rich', a 'vulnerable female', 'elderly', or 'on holiday'.
The 'tagging' system also allows criminals to indicate if a house is alarmed or too risky to consider burgling.
Warning to Homeowners ¶
Trading standards chiefs in Wales released the images to ask householders to be on their guard after police found a house in Conwy, North Wales, which was 'marked'.
A spokesman said: 'A symbol has been drawn directly outside of the house, indicating that the owners of the property are one of a number of things including 'elderly and vulnerable' and 'previous victim.'
'Unfortunately, there are 'repeat victims' within our communities that are targeted again, and again, and again.'
Symbols are drawn with spray cans or marker pens directly outside homes to allow would-be crooks to check who is at home and their chances of success before attempting a break-in.
Conwy Council trading standards said similar instances had been reported in the past, and they have decided to publicize the most common symbols so residents can report them if found.
A trading standards' spokesman said: 'If you see a mark on your home that you don't know about or you see a mark on an elderly neighbor's house, please raise it with either your local PCSO or police station.'
The recovered account cited reporting by Daily Mail.
