San Jose police warn of burglars' hidden cameras, "deceptive tactics" used to observe homes

San Francisco Chronicle

San Jose police are warning the public about recent reports of “deceptive tactics” employed by burglars to case homes, including planting hidden cameras.

Police said the intruders planted the cameras outside or posed as delivery service providers or landscapers to figure out when homes were unoccupied before committing the burglaries.

In one instance, around 2:45 p.m. Jan. 29, police responded to a report of a hidden camera a homeowner found in the bushes outside a residence on the east side of the city, police said, adding that they believe the device was used to monitor the residents in preparation for a burglary. The camera was attached to a power bank and faced the home. During the investigation, officers found a second object: a Wi-Fi device.

Police did not disclose further details about the tactics or the burglaries. It was unclear how widespread the problem is.

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From the link: In addition to the cameras, police remind to stay vigilant for people ringing doorbells or posing as delivery drivers to see if anyone answers, packages left at doors to test whether homes are vacant, and unfamiliar vehicles or people repeatedly passing by residences.


Technology will bring people closer to together, they said.


Camouflaged devices: