Recently an officer from our local police station compiled a series of markings thieves use to tag homes. The officer had uncovered the markings during several years of working the robbery division, and circulated them on WeChat with a warning for people to watch out for them outside their doors.

Below we’ve reproduced and translated the thievery shorthand. Whether you see markings like these or not, it’s a good time to remember that theft rises sharply before and during the Spring Festival holidays, as people get desperate for money to go back to their home towns, buy family gifts, or just target those of better fortune than themselves.

Please take the time to be extra cautious about your things when out in public, and be sure to double check all your door and window locks when going out and before bed. Have a safe and wonderful Spring Festival.