Brits are being urged to watch out for one of the latest tactics burglars are using to mark which properties to rob.
Burglars are checking whether residents are on holiday by pouring kidney beans over doorsteps at night, a home security expert has revealed.
Elizabeth Johns explained that robbers use the ploy to see if the beans are cleaned up by residents in the morning - which indicates if their hunch is right or wrong.
If the kidney beans remain untouched, burglars can see the house as a potential target to break into.
People are now being warned to look out for the bizarre mark left on neighbouring doorsteps and clean them up where possible.
"It seems ridiculous, but we heard a while back that people are putting kidney beans on the front of people's doors," Ms Johns told The Sun.
"Obviously, if you're in you'd clean them up, but if you're away then if the tin of kidney beans was still there then that suggests that you're away."
Ms Johns said the tactic was being used in the Manchester area to establish if anybody is in the house because that makes it a "much more desirable target."
She also suggested that homeowners could ask a nearby family member or trusted neighbour to keep an eye on their house when they are away.
Other methods previously reported to be used by burglars include leaving a strip of sellotape over the front door keyhole.
Thieves or squatters can come to the likely conclusion that its occupants are away if the tape is still there one or several days later.
Stickers on wheelie bins and stones stacked up near doorways are other signs that could suggest burglars are targeting your home.
In addition to these secret signs, residents should ensure side and back gates are secure and sheds, garages and outbuildings are locked, according to advice from Crimestoppers.
It also warns not to leave garden tools or ladders outside, to fit tamper-proof automatic outside security lights and try not to leave accessible windows open at night, even when at home.
