Burglars are a crafty bunch. They're always finding new ways to innovate and perform crimes at homes. And this one's no different.
As reported by KTLA 5, one shocking way one city is being plagued is through the advent of hidden cameras. And it's caused police to need to issue an urgent warning about it.
The Brea Police Department revealed they had found a hidden camera found well-camouflaged in landscaping nearby to people's homes.
A resident had called the police and explained they had spotted something unusual in the shrubs near their home. And they said that this is only going to get more common.
They issued the wild warning in a post on social media. It explained, "These cameras are usually hidden in bushes, planters, or treees, blending seamlessly into your landscaping."
The photo they posted showing the device they found showed that it itself had military-grade camouflage. It also had a very small footprint.
Investigators have said that these devices are linked to organized crime groups. More specifically, burglars who tend to band together in organized groups.
They explained that these burglars will use the cameras to monitor the daily routine of a household, and strike when no one's home.
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What Should I Do If I Find a Camera I Think Burglars Set Up?
Well, the Brea police said that you should be very careful.
They were adamant in warning that you should not touch it - let alone moving it or removing it. Doing so may put you at risk. Instead, you should call your local police department and have them investigate it, instead.
From there, the police will tread carefully, collecting evidence and investigating from there.
It's also very important to be aware of the dangers of hidden cameras, too. With the innovation of technology, they've become a lot smaller and harder to catch if you're not prepared.
While the sort of cameras that these burglars are using seem to be as big as your palm, others can be much, much smaller. Other cameras, whilst not having as much resolution as the burglars', can be as small as your fingernail.
