With the arrival of August, the number of home burglaries traditionally rises in Spain. During this period, many residents leave for vacation, leaving their homes unattended. Criminals actively take advantage of this, looking for easy targets among vacant apartments.
In recent years, offenders have started using new methods to determine whether someone is at home. One of the most common techniques is placing barely noticeable objects on doors or near entrances. These can be thin silicone threads, tiny pieces of plastic, or other subtle markers. If the marker remains untouched after several days, burglars conclude that the residents are away and start planning a break-in.
The Spanish police note that such methods are not new. Previously, criminals used sheets of paper left in mailboxes: if the paper was not removed for a long time, it signaled the absence of the owners. Now, offenders prefer more sophisticated and inconspicuous methods to avoid alerting neighbors and the homeowners themselves.
Alongside plastic and silicone markers, other variants are seen in different regions of Spain. For example, in some cases, envelopes, small packages, or even invisible threads are left on doors. In neighboring countries, such as France, criminals sometimes use notebooks or notepads to mark yards and gardens.
Police emphasize that the main purpose of these marks is to confirm that no one is entering the apartment. Thieves monitor the building, gather information about residents’ routines, the times they leave and return, and whether there are valuable items inside. Only after this do they decide to commit a burglary.
If you find a suspicious object on your door or nearby, experts advise not to touch it and not to enter your apartment. It is best to contact the police immediately by calling 091 and report the discovery. This can help prevent a possible crime and protect not only yourself, but also your neighbors.
It is also recommended to pay attention to any unusual objects near the entrance, even if they seem insignificant. It’s important to alert your neighbors and be especially vigilant during holiday periods, when the risk of burglary increases.
The Spanish police continue to inform citizens about new methods used by criminals and urge everyone to remain alert. Simple safety measures and attentiveness can help protect your property and avoid unpleasant situations.
