It sounds like something out of a crime novel rather than what you’d find in Aussie suburbia.
Mysterious symbols appearing on homeowners’ properties, used to share covert messages within Australia’s criminal underworld, have seen thieves develop their own secret code.
These cryptic markings often scrawled on fences, mailboxes or near entryways, are believed to be used by burglars to identify vulnerable homes.
Whether it’s a symbol that translates to “easy pickings” or a discreet alert for potential accomplices, these markings could mean your home has been flagged as a target.
Understanding this secret language and acting quickly if your home is marked could mean the difference between staying safe and becoming a victim of burglary.
That’s why Build-it has cracked the code, bringing you this must-have guide to decoding the markings and protecting your home before it’s too late.
What do these markings mean?
Homeowners across the country have reported symbols ranging from simple letters to peculiar drawings appearing on the outskirts of their properties.
This has raised concerns among many that thieves are using these symbols as a hidden language to communicate.
Burglars operate by gathering intel and passing it along, meaning these markings may not be the work of just one thief but potentially a network of criminals sharing targets.
In 2022, one Adelaide homeowner discovered the letters “NT” scrawled near their back entrance, potentially signalling “No Threat.” This could inform other criminals that security on the property is lacking.
Others have found a tally of parallel lines scored onto fences, possibly indicating the number of days a house has been observed or when it is most vulnerable.
While many symbols are difficult to decipher, some markings have become more common, with their meanings more widely understood:
- An “X” or a cross – A good target, easy to break into.
- A circle or dot near the entrance – Wealthy home, high-value items inside.
- A triangle or “1” with a line underneath – Single occupant, vulnerable target.
- Two “1”s with a line underneath – An elderly person lives at this property.
- An open square or rectangle – Poor security or no alarm system.
- A crescent moon shape – Home is empty at night.
- A paw print, “D” or zig-zag lines – Presence of a dog.
- A cross with a sad smile line underneath – No male at the property.
What to do if your home is marked?
Staying one step ahead of criminals means treating every strange marking that appears on your property with suspicion.
First, check with your local council and neighbours to confirm that no work has been conducted in the area that could explain the markings, such as utility line identification.
If you notice anything unusual, report it to the police and ask neighbours if they have found anything similar. If multiple markings are discovered, encourage residents to report them as well.
How to prevent your home from being targeted?
The best way to avoid your home being marked is to make it a difficult target in the first place. Here’s how you can protect yourself.
- Regular checks: Routinely inspect your fence, mailbox and surrounding areas for any strange markings. If you spot one, erase it immediately and report it to the police.
- Improve visibility: Trim overgrown hedges or trees that could provide cover for intruders. Add lighting, as a well-lit, visible home is less appealing to burglars.
- Lock up at night: Invest in high-quality locks and always lock doors and windows, even when stepping outside for just a few minutes.
- Upgrade security: Motion-activated lights, CCTV cameras and alarm systems are proven deterrents. Even signage indicating a security presence can be effective.
- Community watch: Join or create a Neighbourhood Watch program. Sharing information with neighbours keeps everyone alert and can prevent break-ins.
- Get a dog: A loud or protective dog can make burglars skip your house entirely. Criminals don’t like attention, and a barking dog is an extra alarm system.
