Strange markings shake up residents

There have been numerous reports regarding syndicates that are marking people’s homes for future burglaries.

Previous posts; Security Warning - Crayon Markings
An eyewitness account on "coloured markings"

Some say it is just urban legend, others say it is true. Either way, there is no harm in being too careful when it comes to crime in SA. Rather be safe, then sorry.

Residents of Vaal Park decided to rather be safe, and decided to investigate when strange neon pink spray-paint markings appeared on houses in the area last week.

According to News24, many of the residents thought they had fallen victim to a syndicate that was marking their homes for future burglaries.

Len le Hani of Vaal Park's Eblockwatch decided to investigate the matter and came up with some interesting results!

Instead of being a criminal syndicate, le Hani noticed that a newspaper had been delivered to every marked house.

It turns out that the markings were just the paper boy's way of marking his route!

Seventeen-year-old Johandré Alberts used the spray-paint to mark the houses to which he has to deliver the paper on his new and more extensive delivery route.

Many of the houses don't display their street numbers, so Johandré and his brother, Armand, 15, decided to identify houses with spray paint.

One reader said she had been worried sick and couldn't sleep at night, but had a good laugh when she heard what the markings were for.

This incident had nothing to do with crime, but it would be wise to remain vigilant at all times.

Residents should always take markings on their fences, trees and shrubs seriously, and should notify their nearest police station or security company immediately.