‘Reconnaissance units’ stake out houses for burglar gangs

Criminal gangs are using reconnaissance units to stake out houses before leaving chalk markings outside denoting if they’re ripe for burgling or too risky to enter.

Muintir na Tíre’s national co-ordinator for community alert, Liam Kelly, described the use of the so-called ‘Da Pinchi Code’ as “very disturbing”.

The chalk markings have appeared in Dublin, Drogheda, and Limerick areas in recent months.