Police Warn: More Burglars Using Italy’s Strange “Cookie Trick”

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As the darker months set in, concerns about home break-ins rise across Europe. Police are now warning about a particularly unusual method spreading from Italy to other countries, including Germany: the so‑called “cookie trick.” What sounds almost humorous at first glance is, in fact, a simple but effective tactic used by burglars to identify empty homes.

A New Burglary Method From Italy

According to the Italian daily Leggo.it, authorities have reported a surge in break-ins involving this peculiar strategy. German outlets, including Ippen Media, note that similar cases have already been observed in Germany, prompting local police to issue warnings as well.

The idea behind the cookie trick is surprisingly straightforward: burglars use cookies as a silent communication tool to determine whether residents are home.

How the Cookie Trick Works

Burglars place a cookie under a home’s doormat and then monitor what happens over the next hours or days.

If the homeowner steps on the mat, the cookie crumbles—signaling that someone is present.
If the cookie is discovered and removed, that too indicates activity inside the home.
If the cookie remains intact for an extended period, burglars assume the residents are away and may target the property.

This method allows criminals to “check” multiple homes at once without constant surveillance. It’s low-tech, discreet, and difficult for residents to notice unless they lift the mat.

Other Marking Techniques

The cookie trick is not the only tactic used to scout potential targets. Police and insurance experts warn that burglars often leave subtle markers such as:

Flyers or leaflets stuck in doorframes
Small adhesive strips
Chalk markings, felt-tip symbols, or tiny scratches near the entrance

All serve the same purpose: to test whether a home is being accessed regularly.

What to Do If You Find a Marker

The German household insurer da-direkt.de recommends taking the following steps if you discover a suspicious object or marking near your door:

Take a photo of the item or marking.
Remove it immediately to eliminate the burglars’ point of reference.
Report the incident to your local police station, including the location and approximate time of discovery.
Inform your neighbors and stay alert over the next few days.

Police emphasize that these markings are often part of a larger pattern of scouting activity, and early reporting can help prevent break-ins.

A Reminder to Stay Vigilant

While the “cookie trick” may sound absurd, authorities stress that burglars are constantly adapting their methods. As winter approaches and daylight hours shrink, residents are encouraged to remain attentive to unusual objects near their homes—and to report anything suspicious promptly.