The Burglars' Code: Criminals chalk messages which pinpoint targets for other villains

Burglars are scribbling chalk marks outside homes to let fellow criminals know which properties to target.

The symbols - dubbed 'the Da Pinchi Code' - may indicate that a home is wealthy, has already been burgled or may have nothing worth stealing.

Police have revealed the signs are being drawn outside sprawling homes in advance of them being targeted by criminal gangs.

Detectives released information on the plot yesterday after a number of properties across the affluent Tandridge district in Surrey were targeted in recent weeks.

Residents have been warned to report any unusual markings on low-rise walls, pavements or kerbs to police.

One homeowner, who lives in the town of Caterham, said the symbols have caused panic among residents.

The woman in her 50s, who did not wish to be named, said: 'It is very alarming to say the least.

'I have had friends targeted in this way and it has caused panic among residents in the area.

'It makes you feel extremely vulnerable that there are people out there intent on marking your card like this.

'I only hope the police can bring these people to book.'



Officers investigating the series of scrawls have unofficially dubbed the symbols the Da Pinchi Code.



Inspector Elaine Burtenshaw, of Surrey Police, said: 'This is a troubling development in Tandridge and we want to sort it out quickly.

'We have thought carefully about whether to release this information to the public, but the criminals using these symbols are already aware of them.

'We hope that explaining what these symbols mean will help to stop them from being used and bring those responsible to justice.'

The meaning behind a number of the symbols has so far been worked out.

One depicting the outline of a book is used to alert fellow criminals that a vulnerable and 'easily conned female' lives in a property.

A capital D with a keyhole drawn in it indicates that burgling the house is too risky, while a series of circles is linked to how wealthy a home is.

A circle with a large cross through it will tell would-be burglars the house has nothing worth stealing. On the other hand, a simple large cross picks the property out as a good break-in target.

Other marks reveal if a house is alarmed or has already been burgled.

Inspector Burtenshaw added: 'I cannot give you any specifics about where these are being used but we are asking the public to work with us to catch those responsible.'