Police and security experts have warned homeowners about a newly spreading method of theft. Known as "Gaunerzinken" in Germany, these secret signs are recognized as a system used by thieves to share information among themselves. Through these symbols, criminal groups gather information about target homes, but in most cases, these signs are very small and inconspicuous.
According to the police officers investigating theft cases in Germany, reported by Milli.Az, these signs are no longer limited to simple classic symbols like "X," squares, or circles.
Thieves now use less noticeable methods such as small stones placed at the doorstep, pieces of paper stuffed into the mailbox, or faint lines drawn with chalk.
These secret signs provide thieves with information about the home's security level, whether someone is inside, and if escape is easy.
Experts explain the meanings of some of the most commonly encountered symbols as follows:
A simple "X" sign indicates there may be valuables in the house.
A circle around an "X" indicates that there is nothing left to take.
A square, circle, line, or scratch may indicate that an elderly person lives in the house, that entry is easy, or that there is a dangerous dog.
However, the police warn: today's thieves prefer to leave very inconspicuous traces instead of classic symbols. Therefore, rather than panicking at the sight of a single sign, it is necessary to check whether there are consecutive and repeated marks in the area.
Police and local community representatives advise being cautious in the following situations:
If there are stones, branches, or pieces of paper at the doorstep that are not normally there;
If a mailbox has been unopened and is overflowing for a long time;
If unknown scratches, faint symbols, or chalk marks are visible on the door or wall.
These signs do not necessarily mean that a theft will definitely occur; sometimes they may happen accidentally or for harmless reasons. However, if suspicious incidents are repeatedly observed in the same house or neighborhood, it is important to be vigilant together with neighbors.
Police and security experts recommend the following steps:
Take photos – document the suspicious signs you see.
Remove the traces – eliminate the signs before they become permanent.
Inform neighbors – joint alerts can disrupt thieves' plans.
Report to the police – immediately report repeated or clear danger-causing incidents.
Check the security system – simple measures such as cameras, exterior lighting, and mailbox monitoring can be serious obstacles for thieves.
