Criminals mark doorsteps to check if residents are away during half-term holidays

Burglars are using a disturbing new tactic to identify empty homes, the Metropolitan Police have warned. Criminals in London’s Bickley and Sundridge areas have been spreading dirt or leaving small objects on doorsteps to see if homeowners remove them—confirming whether a property is vacant.

“We’ve received reports of burglars testing if homes are empty by moving items or scattering dirt,” a police spokesperson said.

This warning follows a string of break-ins in the area, with at least one suspect caught on CCTV entering homes in broad daylight. Bickley Community Watch revealed that a man was seen getting off a bus and immediately breaking into properties via side alleys and patio doors.

Burglary on the Rise

Burglary remains a major issue across England and Wales, with 238,893 cases reported in 2024. The worst-hit areas include Hackney, Middlesbrough, and Leeds, while the City of London recorded the lowest crime rate.

Despite these alarming statistics, a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation found that the Met Police failed to identify a single suspect for thousands of neighbourhood crimes between 2021 and 2023. Critics argue that burglars now operate with little fear of getting caught.

Police Urge Vigilance

Authorities are urging homeowners to be extra cautious during half-term by clearing any suspicious objects left on their property, using security cameras, and asking neighbours to keep an eye on their homes.

With crime rates soaring, the government has pledged to restore neighbourhood policing, but for many victims, justice remains elusive.