Warning...look out for these symbols!

pulliptears

Unlike the usual he said she said warnings, my OH works for a housing association and in close contact with Staffordshire Police. He has just forwarded me an email from Staffs Police warning about "symbol" burglaries after a few local properties were found to have the symbols scratched onto the walls after being robbed. All the HA employees are being asked to keep an eye out when visiting properties and I thought it worth mentioning here.

It seems this is an old story in London, but this is the first I have heard of this happening. Here is a link to a news story with a picture of the images the thieves use:

http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/4250377.Distraction_burglars_using_secret_codes_to_alert_fellow_thieves/

Halloway

Just an instinct but I think this is a hoax. It's the 'email from Staffs Police' thing which arouses my suspicions. Why and to whom do the police send warning e-mails? I've never received such an e-mail. The only time I have ever seen an e-mail purporting to be a warning has been when it's been forwarded as part of an e-mail hoax.

Why, when I Google 'symbol burglaries' do I only get one result? Surely the press would have picked this up? I am sure that the police do not e-mail individuals in preference to letting the press know if there is something to look out for.

pulliptears

Halloway wrote: »

Just an instinct but I think this is a hoax. It's the 'email from Staffs Police' thing which arouses my suspicions. Why and to whom do the police send warning e-mails? I've never received such an e-mail. The only time I have ever seen an e-mail purporting to be a warning has been when it's been forwarded as part of an e-mail hoax.

Why, when I Google 'symbol burglaries' do I only get one result? Surely the press would have picked this up? I am sure that the police do not e-mail individuals in preference to letting the press know if there is something to look out for.

Nope, I have the original email forwarded to me from [EMAIL="xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk"]xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk[/EMAIL]

They email to the HA because they are in prime position to spot the symbols.

Halloway

Well OK, but I'm still dubious. Why would the press and the general public not be informed?

pulliptears

Halloway wrote: »

Well OK, but I'm still dubious. Why would the press and the general public not be informed?

No idea, the email that was forwarded was dated today and from what I can gather the burglary in Stafford was in the last few days so maybe its a recent thing

alison999

thanks for the info, shame the pic isnt very big.

pulliptears

alison999 wrote: »

thanks for the info, shame the pic isnt very big.

There was a bigger version of that pic attached to the email, ill screenshot it.

Believe me I'm normally VERY cynical about this type of thing, but as in this instance I can trace it right back to the Police Officer who sent it I decided to post it.

pulliptears

pulliptears

hollydays

I have heard of this before, a long time ago. Chalk markings.I have heard it said travellers do it.I am somewhat cynical though.

What on earth is oplitotes btw?

sarahg1969

Operation Litotes, a distraction burglary operation (ended in 2005).

http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/boguscaller/boguscaller22.htm