[edandfred]

Maybe we are worrying unduly but we found three short lengths of plastic  tape tied around the wire fence at the roadside. Not sure who has tied it there and why and we certainly haven't . We've only noticed it the past couple of days. Needless to say we have removed the tape just in case it is a "mark" for thieves?

Has anyone else come across this and should we worry unduly about possible theft of my sheep or equipment? Any advice would be most appreciated. Needless to say we are a little spooked and we are keeping a very good eye out for anything dodgy even though we are in a very quiet part of the Borders..

[Carse Goodlifers]

Personally I would be slightly more 'aware' and keep your eyes peeled.
I heard that a friends horse paddock had the same - ribbons on the fence - and that horses that had been taken in the local area had ribbons on the fence.

[Me]

We had that, don't know why people do it. Our mark must have meant "light sleeping hillbillies and deranged guard dog here, try next door"

[hughesy]

It could well be a sign left by some nogoods for other nogoods. I would be vigilant just in case and make sure you leave nothing lying about that they could help themselves to.

[harmony]

Get it all the time round here and usually it is marking the way for an organised event.


Generally thieves leave no warning signs and catch you with your guard down. That's why they get away with it.

[paddy1200]

Poachers used to leave this kind of marking to enable their swag to be picked up. Usually deer carcasses, they kill and bleed/gut the deer and leave them to be picked up.
Might be totally innocent though. Just be on your guard, or, if you don't like your neighbours, move it to outside their house.