After finding red wax in the keyhole of the main door to her home, an online user learned she was potentially targeted by someone looking to cause her harm. Now, she’s issued a warning to others.

About one year ago, a Redditor shared a photo of a lock with red wax spilling out of the keyhole of the main door to her home, hoping for support from the online community.

“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.”

The online community jumped into the comments section, offering their opinions.

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.

A second writes, “Change the lock they are trying to make a copy key.”

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.”

In short, it allows intruders to monitor activity discreetly, identifying whether a home is in use.

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.
Finding red wax in your keyhole is more than a minor inconvenience – it’s a call to action. By staying vigilant, taking preventative measures, and engaging your community, you can safeguard your home against potential threats.

Please share this story so others will know how to keep their family safe!