Tiny gutter marking outside Aussie home sparks concerning theory
A Queensland resident said the unusual mark 'popped up overnight' with others jumping to a worrying conclusion.
A trivial coloured marking on the gutter outside a Queensland home has prompted a sinister theory among fearful residents as police, together with the government, ramp up their efforts to eradicate youth crime across the state.
A mysterious "green bit of paint" just "popped up overnight" outside a home in Cairns this week, a seemingly worried homeowner shared with their community on Facebook. And while it was of little concern to some, many speculated that it could be the work of criminals targeting their homes.
It’s not the first time peculiar markings have shown up on suburban streets across the state. In 2019, a series of kerb markings outside homes left Cairns residents concerned. Meanwhile, in 2021 another warned locals to “beware” after noticing an X and arrow drawn with chalk on the footpath.
The suspicious markings on residential streets have long been associated with criminal activity with many believing they’re left by would-be thieves targeting the homes of potential victims.
"Just a guess but if you have dogs it could be to mark for dogs for fighting or could be the new mark for the little shits breaking in houses," one hypothesised online. "House is marked as easy target," expressed another.
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When contacted by Yahoo News, Queensland Police indicated they have no reason to believe the green mark is anything of concern, yet the mysterious marking remained unexplained. Police previously told Yahoo "we have no information or intelligence to suggest this is a tactic used by criminals to target addresses".
While police were quick to dispel any fears about the unusual markings being related to criminal activity, authorities continue reminding Queenslanders to be vigilant about home and vehicle security as state-wide crime rates soar.
Rise in crime across the state
Recent statistics paint a dire picture of the state’s crime outlook with a monthly average of 50,000 offences committed in 2023. Assaults, sexual offences, robbery, arson, unlawful entry and stolen vehicles all climbed in the Queensland crime data released by police last week. The state recorded a total of 603,321 offences in 2023, an increase of 7.3 per cent on the previous year, AAP reported.
Last year, police cited an increase in stealing from vehicle offences in North Brisbane with offenders taking items from cars parked around the area. In one case, a garage remote was stolen and later used to allegedly enter the home of the victim where more property was stolen.
The Queensland government announced it would invest $4 million in a sport and recreation fund in an attempt to curb youth crime, with recent research from the state finding nearly 40 per cent of young offenders, between ages 10 and 19, are exposed to traumatic experiences, increasing their likelihood of engaging in crime.
Residents are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers if they have any information relating to crime or criminal activity in their area.
Police tips to help deter potential or opportunistic offenders:
Make it as difficult as possible for an offender to gain entry to your home. Key locking your doors at all times is a great example.
Make it as difficult as possible for an offender to exit with your property, by storing your keys in a secure and out of view spot.
Mark your property or give it identifying features to make it difficult for an offender to resell. Borrow an engraving from your local Neighbourhood Watch Group or your local Police Station.
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