Suspicious markings: Fact or paranoia?
A critical question on whether the markings which have been found on residents properties who have been victims of crime, are a sure sign of compromised security.
MONDEOR – A hijacking that took place on Cortayne Street in Mondeor on January 26, could have been linked to a mysterious marking, a beer tin which was found outside the driveway of the home where the vehicle was taken.
However, when a follower of the Glenvista Community Policing Forum questioned how it was known which signs represented what, no response was given.
Alerts on community policing forums have been posted with images of the markings suspected to be a code used by criminals. Some of these markings are made using white paint or toilet paper on trees, fences and in some cases, pavements.
The community policing officers have urged residents to post images of suspicious markings found on their properties in order to create awareness of how to identify certain markings as a symbol of danger and to please remove or cover these markings as a safety measure.
Mondeor SAPS were asked the same question about whether it was officially proven that these markings were made by criminals to be decoded by fellow crime perpetrators on the vulnerability of a targeted residence.
This is what Mondeor SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Elizabeth Mnguni, had to say: “No proven case exists about markings, but communities are advised to phone SAPS should they suspect that they are being targeted by criminals.”
“No common Modus Operandi has been found in any of our cases,” said WO Mnguni regarding the concern that criminals usually paint a marking to inform other suspects of what they should expect should they attempt to break into a residence.
Adding that “We (the police) cannot confirm any markings, no specific markings or object/s related to any Modus Operandi,” although she advises the community, should they suspect any object/s signs as a potential danger, to remove the signs and contact SAPS with the information.
