Homeowners are finding tape over their door locks, with news stories about this phenomenon cropping up every few years, but exactly what’s going on still remains a mystery.
Some people, including police departments, think they do know, though: Someone is planning a burglary and wants to know if you've been home. That would obviously be alarming.
Another notion is that thieves, who are already in your home, are trying to slow down your entry to give them time to get away. However, both of these theories haven’t been proven.
Still, if you find tape on your locks, let the police know. Be cautious and trust the crime-fighting professionals — it's their job to evaluate how seriously to take the situation.