Neighbourhood Watch warns burglars could be using chalk to mark targets in South Woodford
Chairman of Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch Mark Glazer - Credit: Archant
A “team of people” have been scoping houses in South Woodford and earmarking them for burglary with white chalk, according to head of Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch.
Seven properties and driveways in Rose Avenue and Thornwood Close, have been branded with an X symbol in the past two months.
Mark Glazer, Watch chairman, said residents were concerned after seeing the letter on their pavements.
“There are mysterious chalk markings appearing by houses with apparent low security,” he said
“They often don’t have CCTV and are poorly lit.
“It is an old trick and incidents have been reported to the police”
Mr Glazer began investigating the marks after a spate of burglaries in neighbouring Albert Road.
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The first chalk cross in Rose Avenue was seen at the end of January and in the last two weeks six more have appeared.
“(Those behind the scheme) are hiring a team of people to check out properties for burglary,” added Mr Glazer. “If you see the marking – it is nothing fancy just a white cross – then take a photo of it and wash it off immediately and call the police on 101.”
And the Neighbourhood Watch chief believes burglaries have been avoided after removing the chalk marks.
