Are thieves blurring homes on Google Maps? Police say thieves are also searching sites like Zillow and Redfin

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) — Homeowners are increasingly turning to the Internet in an attempt to deter potential thieves and hide images of their homes while they appear on Google Street View.

But Riverside police say there are additional online tools homeowners can use to protect their property and stay one step ahead of thieves who use technology to stalk potential targets.

“The problem is the internet makes everything so easy these days,” said Detective Jared Zwittle of the Riverside Police Department. “They can use Redfin and Zillow and just do a simple photo search.”

He said they are able to see what is in the house, especially those that have been on the market recently.

In addition to blurring their homes on Google Street View, police say people should consider removing photos showing the interior of their homes on websites like Redfin and Zillow.

Thieves also use drones to scout neighborhoods, Zwitel said.

“They’re trying to see what they can see inside people’s windows; they’re looking into backyards to see if they have dogs, pools, what kind of doors are in the backyard.”

“As technology becomes more accessible to everyone, criminals are using it to their advantage.”

But perhaps the most important thing homeowners can do is get to know their neighbors, Zoetel said.

“We had a high-profile case a couple of years ago that was a triple homicide that was solved because an alert neighbor noticed a car that wasn’t supposed to be in the neighborhood,” he said. “It’s always helpful to have good neighbors and know who’s supposed to be there and who’s not.”