Burglars in Exeter and across Devon are using symbols drawn on or near properties to indicate which homes to target.
An image posted by TorbayCID has identified eight different symbols used by criminals in Devon showing if a house is alarmed, has been burgled before, is a good target, is too risky, is wealthy or has nothing worth stealing.
The Exeter Neighborhood Police Team confirmed that the images have been spotted in the city and have been 'drawn where they would be seen by passing vehicles e.g drive entrances'.
Devon and Cornwall Police released the image to warn homeowners of the code.
@TorbayCID posted; 'they will be left in or around your property and if you are vulnerable you may not notice them but other criminals might.'
Alarmingly, other symbols used indicate if there is a vulnerable female in the home, or if the occupant is nervous/afraid.
If you spot one of these symbols the public are being advised to report it to a local officer or call the non-emergency number on 101.
