Is your dog at risk? Why red markings on letterboxes could mean your pet is in danger
- Replies 6
It's no secret that Australians love their dogs. As a nation, we understand that our pets are much more than just animals; they're an integral part of the family.
But what if there was a sinister threat lurking just outside our homes?
Our story begins in Geelong, Victoria, a seaside city where one resident made a rather chilling discovery.
One vigilant resident recently took to social media to voice concerns after discovering mysterious red markings on her letterbox and side gate.
'I found this red marking on my letterbox a couple of weeks ago, and today I saw a fresh red mark on my side gate. It's in line with the lock,’ she posted.
To add to the unease, she also revealed that a gate on the opposite side of the house had been found ajar despite being notably difficult to open.
Initially attributed to a strong gust of wind, the discovery of a second red mark led her to question, 'Has anyone seen anything similar or had it happen to them?'
As if that's not concerning enough, the theory that thieves are using these markings to target homes for dog theft has sparked anxiety in the community.
Some suggested the markings were part of a sinister dog-snatchers code, indicating houses that were easy to steal dogs from.
One said, ‘I’ve heard of (people) doing this and stealing dogs for illegal fighting. Scrub it off and keep dogs inside.’
Another commented, ‘If you own a dog... keep it safe indoors if no one’s home! They mark property and attempt to steal dog/s later at night when no one’s home.’
The resident who posted about the markings didn’t specify if a pooch was part of her household, though it seems this could well be a warning about unwelcome guests, nonetheless
Mind you, our furry companions aren't necessarily the only at-risk assets.
A few comments highlighted that these cryptic marks could also be signs of somebody scoping out the property for other potential theft, implying the resident was being watched.
'We had this a few years ago with yellow paint/markings! Usually means someone has been checking out your property, seeing stuff they like and can access and marking it as a target, so they come back to it,' commented another.
The concerned resident was advised by fellow community members to enhance her home security, with recommendations to install cameras, deploy sturdy locks and report the mysterious markings to the local police force.
One suggested, ‘Remove red markers, get cameras and put locks on your gate.’
‘I would be putting locks on your gate today,’ another added
This incident reminds all pet owners to ramp up their pet safety measures. From investing in pet-friendly security cameras and sturdy gate locks to microchipping pets, there are several precautionary steps that pet owners can take.
Remember, a stitch in time saves nine. Or, in this case, vigilant action could save our beloved fur buddies.
We'd love to hear from you. Have you had any strange marks appear on your property? Do you have any additional pet or home safety tips? Leave a comment, and let's keep the conversation going!
But what if there was a sinister threat lurking just outside our homes?
Our story begins in Geelong, Victoria, a seaside city where one resident made a rather chilling discovery.
One vigilant resident recently took to social media to voice concerns after discovering mysterious red markings on her letterbox and side gate.
'I found this red marking on my letterbox a couple of weeks ago, and today I saw a fresh red mark on my side gate. It's in line with the lock,’ she posted.
A resident in Geelong recently discovered two red markings on their letterbox and gate. Source: Facebook
To add to the unease, she also revealed that a gate on the opposite side of the house had been found ajar despite being notably difficult to open.
Initially attributed to a strong gust of wind, the discovery of a second red mark led her to question, 'Has anyone seen anything similar or had it happen to them?'
As if that's not concerning enough, the theory that thieves are using these markings to target homes for dog theft has sparked anxiety in the community.
Some suggested the markings were part of a sinister dog-snatchers code, indicating houses that were easy to steal dogs from.
One said, ‘I’ve heard of (people) doing this and stealing dogs for illegal fighting. Scrub it off and keep dogs inside.’
Another commented, ‘If you own a dog... keep it safe indoors if no one’s home! They mark property and attempt to steal dog/s later at night when no one’s home.’
The resident who posted about the markings didn’t specify if a pooch was part of her household, though it seems this could well be a warning about unwelcome guests, nonetheless
Mind you, our furry companions aren't necessarily the only at-risk assets.
A few comments highlighted that these cryptic marks could also be signs of somebody scoping out the property for other potential theft, implying the resident was being watched.
Dog thieves are individuals who engage in the illegal act of stealing dogs for various purposes, including resale, breeding, or even ransom. Image by paulinel from Unsplash
'We had this a few years ago with yellow paint/markings! Usually means someone has been checking out your property, seeing stuff they like and can access and marking it as a target, so they come back to it,' commented another.
The concerned resident was advised by fellow community members to enhance her home security, with recommendations to install cameras, deploy sturdy locks and report the mysterious markings to the local police force.
One suggested, ‘Remove red markers, get cameras and put locks on your gate.’
‘I would be putting locks on your gate today,’ another added
This incident reminds all pet owners to ramp up their pet safety measures. From investing in pet-friendly security cameras and sturdy gate locks to microchipping pets, there are several precautionary steps that pet owners can take.
Remember, a stitch in time saves nine. Or, in this case, vigilant action could save our beloved fur buddies.
We'd love to hear from you. Have you had any strange marks appear on your property? Do you have any additional pet or home safety tips? Leave a comment, and let's keep the conversation going!
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