Why are Whataburger numbers being used as crime scene evidence markers?

HOUSTON – While working a crime scene this weekend, it appears Houston police made the most out of what they had at the time in order to locate and mark evidence.

We all know the traditional use for Whataburger's numbered markers, but it seems that the little orange pieces of plastic may have much more important uses.

KPRC cameras captured the markers being used at a shooting scene on West Little York Drive on March 19.

A Houston Police Department spokesperson said that oftentimes, officers on the scene mark evidence with whatever they have at the time -- Whataburger numbers included.

Only once crime scene forensic crews arrive do the traditional evidence markers come out.

[WATCH: Whataburger numbers used as evidence markers]

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