Preparedness
Protect Your Home: Blur Photos on Google Maps and Zillow From Burglars
In today’s world, technology has undeniably simplified our lives in countless ways. From smart home devices that manage grocery lists, set reminders, and control home lighting, to those that double as security cameras and music speakers, the conveniences are endless. However, California police caution that the internet can also increase the risk of home theft. Consequently, more images of homes are being blurred on public platforms such as Google Maps and Zillow.
“The problem is the internet makes everything super easy these days,” Jarid Zuetel, a detective with the Riverside Police Department, told ABC 7 News.
“They’re able to use Redfin, Zillow, and then just simple image searches.”
Google Maps, for instance, allows users to view homes from the street level. This 360-degree viewfinder can inadvertently assist burglars in casing a home.
Furthermore, real estate platforms like Zillow often display the interior of homes, showcasing personal effects and other details. These images can help thieves identify side entrances, escape routes, and hiding places.
Therefore, police and security officials are advising residents to blur images of their homes on Google Street View and Zillow.
“Criminals are coming up with new and innovative ways to do their job, so we need to be up on how to do ours,” said Riverside police officer Ryan Railsback.
Blurring your home on Google Maps is a straightforward process that takes less than five minutes. Simply locate your address, select “report a problem” in the upper left corner, and follow the guided questions before clicking “submit.”
Once your request is approved and your home is blurred, this action is irreversible, notes ABC 7 News.
To hide or remove photos of your home on Zillow, first claim ownership of your property page. This requires creating a free Zillow account and verifying your ownership by completing a questionnaire. Detailed instructions can be found on the website.
After claiming ownership, you can edit your home’s property page to hide or remove images.
Beyond the internet, burglars are also leveraging smart devices like drones to assist in their activities. Drones can scan for properties with pools or dogs, which may pose obstacles, and capture images of windows and doors.
“As technology becomes more and more accessible to everybody, your criminals are using that technology to their advantage,” added Zeutel.
Law enforcement expert Bruce Thomas recommended displaying prominent signage around your property to indicate the presence of security cameras and guard dogs.
By taking these precautions, you can help protect your home from becoming an easy target for burglars.
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A tragic incident in Michigan has resulted in a teenage boy facing severe charges after allegedly shooting another teen and fatally wounding the teen’s mother, who was trying to protect her son.
Anthony Deshawn Sneed, 15, is being charged as an adult with multiple serious offenses stemming from the incident that occurred on September 4th in Clinton Township.
The charges against Sneed include felony murder as a juvenile defendant, second-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, armed robbery, and four counts of felony firearm possession.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, the conflict began when Sneed got into a fight with the son of Tanseen Sherrod.
During the altercation, Sneed allegedly stole a handgun from the other teen.
When Sherrod attempted to intervene in hopes of calming the situation, she was tragically shot by Sneed, authorities reported.
Details surrounding the exact nature of the fatal confrontation have not been made public.
The other teen involved in the incident was also shot and sustained critical injuries, though his current condition has not been disclosed.
Following the shooting, Sneed fled the scene but turned himself in to Detroit authorities the following day.
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An Arizona man has been charged with the murder of his childhood friend after the headless body of Alijah Bradley was discovered in the desert. The remains of the 24-year-old were found near Gila Bend, just days after his family had reported him missing.
Samuel Bush, 23, faces charges of second-degree intentional murder and concealing a body, with the charges being filed on September 4.
Bradley’s family was left puzzled over the motive behind the murder. A relative, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their confusion to local news outlets KPHO and KTVK, stating, “We honestly don’t know. He was Sam’s best friend. He was Sam’s only friend.”
The family had reported Bradley missing on August 15 after he failed to show up for work and his mother had not heard from him. Bush had initially told the family he was unaware of Bradley’s whereabouts.
Using GPS coordinates, Bradley’s car was tracked to a remote desert location. On August 19, police found both the car and Bradley’s remains.
Authorities revealed that Bradley’s body had been dismembered, and confirmed that all parts of his remains had been recovered. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has yet to comment on a potential motive for the crime.
Bradley’s aunt, Melissa McNeal, shared her sorrow with ABC15, stating, “It’s devastating. He was just beginning his adulthood.” She added, “I don’t feel a relief or anything because – it doesn’t bring him back. It doesn’t fix anything.”
Bradley’s mother, who chose not to be named, committed herself to seeking justice for her son, saying, “I’m committing my life to obtaining justice for my son.”
Bradley was a Northern Arizona University graduate and had recently celebrated his birthday. A fundraising page set up for his family described him as being “known for his free spirit and wild soul.”
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A California family experienced a terrifying ordeal during their Labor Day picnic when their 5-year-old son was attacked by a mountain lion. The incident occurred just before 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Tapia Day Use Area of Malibu State Creek Park in Calabasas, as reported by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.
The boy’s family and several other adults and children were enjoying their time when the mountain lion suddenly grabbed the child by the head and began to run.
“Somebody screamed the baby’s name, and his dad started running,” the boy’s aunt recounted.
“The father grabbed the mountain lion with his hands, and he just fought. Then the mountain lion let go.”
The dramatic rescue unfolded in front of about 40 onlookers, some of whom noted that the mountain lion appeared completely unafraid during the attack.
Male mountain lions can weigh up to 150 pounds and measure up to 8 feet in length, making the father’s actions even more heroic.
The boy was promptly airlifted to Northridge Hospital Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. He was released later that Sunday but had to return to the hospital on Monday due to complications involving his eyes.
Upon arrival at the scene, California State Park rangers and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officers found the mountain lion crouched in a tree near the picnic area.
The animal was deemed a threat to public safety and was euthanized by a ranger.
Wildlife officers collected evidence from the boy’s injuries, including DNA swabs from the bite marks, which were matched to the mountain lion.
“CDFW and State Park officials are thankful that the family is safe, and the child is recovering and no one else was injured,” the CDFW stated.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
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Timothy
September 4, 2024 at 6:14 pm
people that commit crimes should be separated from the law abiding, taxpayers in society. Public servants that take an oath to We the People, and do not do their job, should be the first one to made examples of. OFF with their heads. If not, we all will suffer, the killing will get out of hand. That started in the 1860’s. Welcome to socialist Amerika, you have earned it, you paid for it $ $ $laves