Criminal gangs are leaving codes outside homes to tip off thieves as to whether a property is worth breaking into.
Thankfully police have cracked the meaning behind the cryptic signs and are warning householders to be on their guard.
Crooks are using a series of markings at properties, indicating details about the house, including whether the home is alarmed or a good target.
One chilling sign, in the shape of an open book, means a vulnerable female lives in the property alone. Read more at Evening Times.