Strange markings appear on fence, sparking fear of thieves

Strange markings on a fence in an Adelaide suburb has sparked concern, with residents trying to work out what they mean.

Concern has spread among one community after strange markings appeared on fences in the neighbourhood.

A Reddit user took to the platform to express worry about the fact lines and the letters NT had been marked at the front and rear of their home.

They added they weren’t the only one have lines and letters quickly scribbled on their home.

“They appeared overnight. Thoughts? Could the house be marked for a burglary,” the Reddit user asked.

“Looked around the neighbourhood and noticed both corner houses of our block have had their mailboxes marked.”

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People were divided on what the markings meant. Picture: Reddit/grey_daisie

The poster said the markings weren’t easy to find – passing one several times before noticing it – as their home is relatively hard to access from the street, adding that they had made a report to police after seeing other makings such as “S” on other homes.

Some agreed it appeared the house was marked after it has been cased by burglars.

“Those markings just mean that there’s nothing valuable here and that your house would be too much effort for too little reward. Make of that what you will I guess,” one person commented.

Another added: “Weird. I’d be a bit freaked out to find that on my letterbox and back door and then see the same on random other houses.

“Maybe I’m paranoid but I’d report it to police just in case they’ve seen it in other places.”

One added: “Peeps looking to break into your property – NT = no threat, S = security. the marks are usually the numbers of days they’ve been watching your place/how many times you use an entrance in a day.”

Others advised beefing up security and getting CCTV just in case.

However, others had their own beliefs as to what the markings meant – with some claiming if it was thieves they were “a bunch of morons” to leave evidence behind and it was likely just graffiti.

Reddit user concerned over markings on fence. Picture: Reddit/grey_daisie

Several houses on the street were marked. Picture: Reddit/grey_daisie

One user commented: “What a bunch of morons. Sitting around for four days then writing their findings on the house. Seriously, the world is getting more stupid every day.”

Another added: “This makes no sense, why would they alert potential victims when they could easily make notes in the phone, in a notebook, on a post-it … on the back of their hand etc etc etc

“Kids f***ing around to cause someone a bit of stress makes more sense tbh.”

Meanwhile, one said it was potentially code for squatters or other rough housing people to use while others thought it was much more innocent.

One said: “Is there any council work going on? Sometimes places are marked when roads, gutters, paths, etc are about to be serviced or changed.

“Like electrical overhead and underground markings. Given there’s markings all up your street, I would assume it’s innocent. I doubt criminals would target a whole street at once because that leaves too much room for being caught.”

A South Australia Police spokesperson told news.com.au anyone who finds these markings should come forward.

“If this has occurred we would encourage anyone who finds suspicious markings at their property, or notices anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to contact police and report the matter,” the spokesperson said.

“Police would then be able to conduct an investigation and ascertain the purpose behind the markings.”