How Criminals Use Marks to Signal Targets
Marks on windshields may be communication tools for criminals. Such marks might imply that the car contains valuables or that its owner has been identified as an easy target. In other cases, these symbols act as signals for some accomplices who may try to break in or trace the next location of the car.
For example, a thief might put a small sticker or patch of dirt strategically in your line of vision. They hope that forcing you out of your safety net-your locked vehicle-to correct the problem will give them time to steal from you, or carry out other crimes if you are vulnerable. Only a few seconds of distraction will allow theft or crimes to be committed because you happen to park there.
This is not only an immediate threat, but such marks can also be identification marks for future crimes. A criminal may return to the car based on the information he or she obtained earlier. It is necessary, therefore, to take precautions if you notice an unexplained mark on your car.
