Criminals are increasing their ingenuity and developing increasingly discreet intrusion strategies to select the homes of their future victims. A recent method is based on an almost imperceptible marking, but which can be identified with a little vigilance.
The majority of French people are often familiar with the coded language traditionally used by organized gangs. These symbols (triangles, circles, diamonds) drawn in chalk or felt-tip pen are used to transmit crucial information about the people targeted or the configuration of the premises: presence of an alarm system, a guard dog, or indicating a vulnerable person living alone. However, faced with the increased vigilance of residents, burglars are modernizing their approaches to evade surveillance.
Recently, techniques such as inserting a blank piece of paper in the mailbox or throwing innocuous objects into private property were favored to know precisely the occupation of the premises. From now on, a new, much more subtle tracking maneuver is used: the “glue dot” technique.
This procedure is remarkably simple. Before committing a break-in, thieves apply a tiny thread of glue or transparent silicone between the front door leaf and the frame. The objective is to check activity within the household. By returning to inspect the premises 24 to 48 hours later, the condition of the trap provides them with a reliable indication: if the glue point is intact, the door has not been opened: the accommodation is probably unoccupied, which presents the risk of a burglary. If the wire is broken, the occupants are present. This tip allows intruders to carry out surveillance without attracting the attention of the neighborhood or leaving obvious traces as during a classic break-in attempt.
It is strongly recommended to carefully inspect the joints of your main access points (doors, gates, garage doors). This visual check must become a reflex for home protection, particularly before a prolonged absence. In addition to this physical vigilance, securing your personal data is essential. Law enforcement officials remind you that you should never disclose your vacation dates or your real-time geolocation on social networks. This information constitutes a real invitation for burglars looking for empty homes.
