Authorities in one Southern California community are urging residents to inspect the areas around their homes after the discovery of a hidden camera earlier this week.
Alhambra police officers responded to a call of an attempted burglary in the 1900 block of S. Primrose Avenue on Monday night.
“The victim’s neighbor found a hidden camera in the bushes pointing toward their home,” police said in a social media post that included a photo of the device. It was concealed in a green shell and surrounded by leaves.
Police said the homeowners’ alarm company also notified them of an attempt to open a kitchen window earlier in the day.
Hidden cameras appear to be growing in popularity among thieves who use them to monitor properties to know when residents are home or away.
In May, Glendale Police arrested four Colombian nationals who are accused of running a “burglary tourism” operation that involved the use of camouflage cameras.
Days later, another hidden camera was found in bushes and pointed at a home in Garden Grove.
The Alhambra Police Department offered the following tips to avoid becoming a victim:
- Never leave a hidden key at home.
- If you spot a suspicious vehicle, write down the license plate and report it.
- Always lock doors and windows when leaving, even if only for a moment.
- Keep your front porch and exteriors well-lit.
- Keep trees and bushes well-trimmed so they don’t become a hiding spot for thieves.
- Install home security cameras and monitor frequently.
- If you spot a broken window or open door, do not enter and call police immediately.