Burglars may be using children’s sidewalk chalk to plan their next break-in and coordinate with other thieves, according to a warning issued from a local police department.
Last week, the San Marino Police Department released an alert to residents regarding simple chalk markings that they say criminals have been leaving behind to denote their targets and keep tabs on which homes to avoid.
The markings may be different from place to place, and can hold different meanings, officials said.
“For example, an ‘X’ could mean the home is a good target for a burglary and a box could indicate a home with a security system or a dog on the property,” the Police Department wrote on its social media pages.
Police did not say if any recent break-ins or arrests have been linked to these supposed chalk marks, but said anyone who sees any suspicious markings on their property should contact its non-emergency line.
“If you see something, say something,” the Department wrote. “Tell these criminals to chalk to the hand!”
Home invasions and break-ins have been a growing concern across Southern California, and burglars have been using various methods to gain intel about their potential targets.
In March alone, four camouflaged hidden cameras, including one in San Marino, have been found pointed at the homes of potential victims.
Last year, a string of break-ins occurred at residential properties with backyards that ran adjacent to open space like ditches and golf courses.
Several burglary crews have been arrested in recent months for their alleged roles in these burglaries across Southern California, including at least two groups of Colombian nationals.
Police across the state are urging homeowners to be extra diligent about the safety of their homes, including installing basic security upgrades like motion-activated flood lights or inexpensive home security cameras, as well as ensuring their homes are properly secured on all levels.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has a list of home burglary prevention tips available here.