Upper Austria: Burglars use adhesive tape as absence test
Criminals in Upper Austria are using invisible threads on doors to determine whether residents are away. Multiple towns have already been affected.
Upper Austria: Burglars use adhesive tape as absence test
Unknown perpetrators in Upper Austria are employing a new technique to determine whether apartments are unoccupied. They stick fine, transparent strips on entrance doors. If these remain in the same place later, the burglars assume that the residents are not at home. This method is described by MeinBezirk.at.
Initially, the suspects gain access to residential buildings with multiple units. They then attach barely visible adhesive threads to the lower edge of the doors between the door leaf and frame. After several hours or the next day, they check to see whether anyone has removed the strips. If they are still in place, the apartment is classified as empty – and becomes a target for burglary.
The State Criminal Office announced that there have already been several thefts following this pattern. Linz, Traun, Wels and Steyr were named as affected locations.
Security authorities are urging vigilance. Anyone who notices such threads or other suspicious marks on a door should notify the local police or call the emergency number 133. Anonymous tips are also accepted.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)