In the Popowice housing estate in Wroclaw, a new way for thieves to mark apartments before they try to break in is taking off.Residents of this housing estate are drawing attention to disturbing findings that they posted in their neighborhood group on social media.One of the residents reported that she discovered suspicious objects on the mat outside her door, which later led to a break-in at a nearby apartment..
As part of a neighborhood initiative, residents began sharing photos and videos of the suspects.These images subsequently serve as a warning to other residents, while some of them also appear on bulletin boards in residential buildings.At the beginning of September, a photo of a man who, according to witnesses, was inspecting apartments in the housing estate appeared on the social network.
Burglars are said to try to find out if someone is home by using simple tricks – leaving small objects such as coins, wires, candy or chalk marks on doormats or door frames.This system allows them to find out if the tenants of the apartments have left or are in the house at the time of their presence.
The published photos and warnings have raised concerns among local residents, who are appealing for increased vigilance and cooperation with the police.According to news.gazeta.co.uk, one of the men suspected of these acts was caught on video from the end of August, where he appears to be watching a doormat before quickly leaving.
The police repeatedly draw attention to the importance of properly securing homes, especially during periods when people travel on holidays or are away for long periods of time.Although the summer season is over, September is still the time when many people go on vacation, which can be an opportunity for thieves.
This increase in crime motivates local residents to pay more attention and warn each other of possible threats.