Finding red wax on your lock is unsettling because it doesn’t belong there. While it could be innocent—a stray candle, children playing, or leftover decoration—sometimes such marks are used by criminals to signal that a house is unoccupied or vulnerable. Wax is discreet, quick to apply, and easy to explain away, making it ideal for testing a property.
Even if it’s harmless, any unexplained mark deserves attention. Inspect your doors, windows, and entry points for scratches, tampering, or other unusual signs. Document everything with photos before cleaning it off. Repeated marks or other suspicious signs should prompt a security upgrade—strong locks, reinforced doors, cameras, and motion lights—and alerting neighbors or local police can help identify patterns.
Home security isn’t about fear; it’s about awareness. Small, unusual details like red wax can be early warnings. By noticing and acting on them, you reduce risk and protect your home without paranoia.