In Southern California, some homeowners are taking a novel approach to safeguarding their properties by blurring their homes on Google Maps. This strategy aims to deter potential burglars by obscuring crucial details that could be used to plan a robbery.
According to Ryan Railsback, an officer with the Riverside Police Department, this method could significantly reduce the risk of theft by preventing criminals from assessing the value of possessions and security features from online images.
The idea behind blurring homes on Google Maps is to protect sensitive information that burglars might exploit. Criminals often use online resources to scout potential targets, looking for clues about valuable items, home layouts, and existing security measures. By blurring these images, homeowners can prevent thieves from gaining access to this information, potentially reducing the likelihood of a break-in.
Despite the potential benefits, the effectiveness of this tactic is debated. Christopher Herrmann, a law and police science professor, notes that while blurring a home can help conceal valuable details, it might also draw unwanted attention.
Thieves might become suspicious if a property appears deliberately obscured, possibly leading them to believe that the home contains valuable items or has other vulnerabilities worth investigating.
Google allows users to blur their homes on Google Maps as part of its commitment to user privacy. To request a blurring, homeowners need to access the Street View mode on the Google Maps website, not the mobile app. By selecting “Report a Problem” from the drop-down menu, users can fill out a form to request the blurring of their home. Google may follow up for additional information to process the request.
Although home burglaries are relatively rare, with fewer than 1% of households experiencing a break-in in 2019 according to the Department of Justice, the blurring tactic is still considered by some as a proactive measure. It serves as a reminder that staying vigilant about security, even through digital means, can contribute to overall home safety.
