Mystery surrounds black tape marking letterboxes in Northern NSW

A concerned NSW resident discovered a piece of black tape hanging off the side of her letterbox and took to social media asking what does it mean? The response was shocking.

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Yesterday Deborah James of Ballina found a piece of black tape hanging off the side of her letterbox and posted to social media asking the question, what does it mean?

The black tape found hanging off Ms James’ letterbox yesterday

The post on the Ballina Crime Reports Facebook page received a flood of responses explaining possible theories.

The most common theory was that the black tape was a “marker” used by thieves, probably to identify homes that had a dog which could be stolen, possibly for dog-fighting rings.

Others said that tape was put on homes that were easy targets for robberies, the Northern Star reports.

Asked whether Ms James had dogs or not, one poster said: ‘There had been a group operation not so long ago and they were putting an ‘X’ on fences or letterboxes and returning to steal dogs.’

Ms James replied she didn’t have a dog, only a cat.

Does the tape identify homes with dogs?

One poster said: ‘Years ago, it was letting thieves know that you had a dog and to stay away.’

While another thought the opposite: ‘They tag your place to steal from you.’

Ms James replied: ‘That’s what I was afraid of but can’t figure out why. No dogs, only cat inside and I lead a very simple quiet life and own nothing of value.

Posters on social media warn black tape mean thieves had tagged her home

Another person replied: ‘If it is a tag to steal from you then it’s a bit stupid on their part ha ha. You can now prepare to be ready for them.’

Not all theories were sinister: ‘‘Might just be a bit of packing tape that got blown there in the wind yesterday.’

One theory is the tape lets thieves know your house has CCTV

A warning from one person: ‘I’d get rid of it just in case. It could mean a lot of things, mostly bad, I mean it could just be kids but I wouldn't take the risk. Throw it away’.

Ms James replied: ‘Thanks everyone. I have a cat but he is only out in our backyard with me. Never alone and never by himself. Always in with me at night. I have just read so much about being marked I was concerned. I really appreciate all your input xx.’

Many others warned the Ballina woman to inform the police and her neighbours.

But despite the concern, an officer from the Ballina Police station said she was unaware of the problem. ‘No one has contacted us about finding black tape on their letterboxes.’

Originally published as Mystery surrounds black tape marking letterboxes in Northern NSW