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Secret Burglar Signs Tell Thieves If Owner’s Dog Is Worth Stealing

If you have a pet dog - this news may make you double check your pet’s safety.

Burglars are allegedly using secret signals to fellow house invaders advising them what sort of dogs live at at the address

Neighbourhood Watch volunteers believe dog nappers have adapted already existing burglar signs to mark homes with valuable dogs - with different colours used to differentiate the size of pooches.

Pet owners in Nailsea near Bristol claim a ‘cross’ is used to signal a ‘good target’, with a pink one for small dogs, yellow for medium, and red for larger breeds.

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators in the area have released a warning leaflet over the mysterious symbols, claiming a number of dogs have gone missing.

It says: ‘Dog thieves are believed to be leaving messages on gates, doors and pavements and police have now urged owners to be vigilant after a number of animals were stolen from properties daubed with unusual markings.

‘Such a yellow cross has been seen in Greenfield Crescent recently.

‘It such markings appear on your property please inform the police using the 101 number.’

Police say no dog thefts have been reported in the area, but urged anyone who found the marks to wash them off immediately.