That’s No Hydrangea, It’s a Camera!

Time to Wise Up to High Tech Burglary​

​It might be time – and we can’t believe we’re typing this – to check your potted plants and hedges. If you don’t recognize that oddly shaped topiary in between the rhododendron and the geranium, it could be, well, a plant (as in a device placed there to spy on you).
 
As we reported before, a new trend is blooming in larceny: burglars hiding cameras on properties in order to learn the habits of residents. Take a look at this recent report from KABC in Los Angeles.
 
Similar instances have been linked to visitors from South America and hence are referred to as “burglary tourism.” But in reality, it’s just as much a home-grown problem. (No more gardening puns, we promise.) In the end, the source of the violation is irrelevant. What matters is that we’re dealing with some relatively sophisticated criminals.
 
And what matters more is how to protect yourself. Here’s some advice:
 

1. A rose by any other name: Leaves, grass, rocks, flowers – all of these have been used as disguises for hidden spy cams. Fortunately, on close inspection they generally reveal themselves as the clumsy fakes they are. The intent behind them is to blend into your peripheral vision, not to fool a botanist. So, plan a morning coffee date this weekend. Just you and the shrubs and a little fresh air.

 

1. A little night music. Switch to decaf (or pour your nightcap into a shatterproof tumbler), turn out the lights, and have a look around your property. In the KABC segment above, intended victim George Nguyen noticed a flashing light while watering in the evening. We told you these aren’t necessarily sophisticated schemes. While not all hidden cameras come with victim-friendly giveaways like lights, a significant number do. By the way, if you do a night-time walk-around, please notify your neighbors ahead of time so they don’t call the cops. Bonus tips: Avoid dark clothing and ski masks.

 

1. Like a good neighbor: Speaking of neighbors, don’t assume the camera is on your property. The best views of your place may be across the street or courtyard. Of course, be sure to explain yourself before looking in the hedges next door, especially if you live in Texas. The more you and your neighbors can work together on this, the better.

 

1. Signed, sealed, and re-routed: If you’re out of town a lot, and your dropped-off packages linger, re-think your delivery strategy. Why make it obvious that no one’s home? Re-route deliveries to locker/pickup locations or to a trusted neighbor who’s always home.

 
CNET offers some additional guidance on how to thwart this high-tech thievery, including installing a video doorbell or a camera with audio that let’s you see (and ask annoying questions) in real time.
 
Finally, if you do discover a hidden camera spying on you or your neighbors, call the police.

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