An Garda Síochana is urging homeowners to be more cautious as burglars are using a new trick to see if homes are empty.

An Garda Síochana is urging homeowners to be more cautious as burglars are using a new trick to see if homes are empty.
According to reports, locals in the North Strand area of Dublin have reported their fears to gardaí having discovered clear sellotape over the keyhole of their front door which they believe is being used to mark vacant properties.
The new trend of 'property marking' has hit headlines numerous times in recent years, with farmers being targeted with stone mould markings to alert thieves of valuable properties.
Mysterious footpath markings have also been found outside homes in the Shankill and Ballybrack areas of Dublin just last year.
The sellotape trick is believed to be used by both burglars and squatters, and Gardaí are taking the reports very seriously.
Burglars are placing clear tape over the keyhole and return after a few hours or even days to see if the sellotape remains untouched. This then alerts the thief that the homeowners are probably away.
A local resident told Independent.ie: "It's a tactic they use. They cover they keyhole with clear sellotape to establish if the house is being accessed."
"Two houses were found to have this tape on my street recently in North Strand. This is deeply concerning for residents."
As homeowners and tenants, it is extremely important to be extra cautious this time of year but at least now we know what to look out for.
If you find sellotape over the keyhole your home may be at risk.
Remove the sellotape immediately and report the incident to your local garda station.
Kellie Kearney is a Dublin mammy of kids aged 2, 3, 4 and 8. A self-confessed procrastinator and picker-upper of things, Kellie's loves include coffee, doughnuts, travel and sharing every day true to life moments on Instagram of her expanding family. Follow her on Instagram. 

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