The mystery of rag ‘markings’ left at entrance to rural homes
GARDAÍ in Co. Meath have asked the public to be vigilant after a number of ‘unusual’ markings at properties in the county came to their attention last weekend.
There are concerns that the markings may have been left by criminals as a way of targeting properties for break-ins.
Kells gardaí sounded the alert when they became aware of what appears to be a rag placed at three separate rural properties in the Carnaross area.
‘May be completely innocent’
In one instance a rag was tied around a gate of one of the busiest farmyards in the county while a piece of material was left outside two other houses.
None of the properties were broken into – but the owners were not aware how the material had ended up at their gateways.
Meath Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Dean Kerins said gardaí wanted to make the public aware of the possible markings.
‘These properties were brought to our attention by a vigilant member of the public,’ he said.
‘We have taken note of the unusual markings which could possibly be the work of criminals to identify specific houses,’ Sgt Kerins said.
‘It may all be completely innocent but we are investigating and would just like members of the public to be on the look-out for this kind of thing at houses in the area.’
‘If you spot anything you think is unusual, please contact the Garda station at Kells on 046 928 0820,’ he concluded.