An internet user discovered that she might be the target of someone who wants to hurt her after seeing red wax in the keyhole of her home’s main entrance.
She has now warned others about it.
In an attempt to get support from the internet community, a Redditor posted a picture of a lock with red wax leaking out of the keyhole of her home’s main door almost a year ago.
“I don’t have anything on my key that would do this, but I did notice some on the tip after I took the key out when locking up this morning,” writes the user. “A little concerned that someone may have been messing with my lock last night.”
Online users flocked to the comments area to share their thoughts.
Warning over wax in the door
“Did someone lose their lipstick cap in a purse with the keys in it perhaps?” asks one user. A second suggests it was the handywork of a child: “Any kids nearby? My special spawn would stick crayons in everything. Everything.”
Others, however, suggested the wax finding was far more sinister. “If you push a red crayon into lock it creates a crayon key which can be 100% duplicated. You need to change your locks right away,” shares one.
“Change the lock they are trying to make a copy key,” writes a second.
Another, who says he was “flipping houses” when he found melted wax in the keyhole of a door, offers a different scenario with an equally frightening warning: “Went to unlock the door and noticed something covering the lock that looked like white lipstick. I looked around and the other houses had it too.” The user, who goes by Atllas66, then explains he “called crime check” and was told it’s a trick used “by squatters/burglars” to determine “who on the block is using their key.”
To put it briefly, it enables trespassers to surreptitiously observe activity and determine whether a house is occupied.
How to keep your home safe
Document and report
- Take pictures of the wax or any suspicious material for evidence and notify local police about the situation, even if no further issues are apparent. This alerts them to potential threats in your neighborhood.
Strengthen home security
- Install smart locks to deter tampering
- Add doorbell cameras or motion detectors to monitor unusual activities.
Upgrade exterior lighting
- Motion-sensor lights can scare off would-be intruders.
Engage with neighbors
- Alert your neighbors, as they might also be targeted.
- Collaborative community vigilance can deter criminal activities.
Create the illusion of occupancy
- Use timers for interior lights when away.
- Keep a car parked in the driveway.
- Enhance Visibility
- Trim bushes or shrubs around entryways.
- Maintain clear sightlines to windows and doors.
Leverage technology
- Use smart home systems for remote monitoring.
- Connect alarms to your phone for instant alerts.
Would-be intruders can be very crafty and have several tactics to target a home. Always be aware of:
- Tape or stickers placed on door seams. Removal of these items can be very inviting.
- Chalk marks on walls and mailboxes.
- Unusual objects near the door or property are potential tools used to monitor activity.
Red wax in your keyhole is more than just a small annoyance; it’s a warning. By being alert, taking precautions, and being involved in your neighborhood, you can protect your house from possible dangers.
