We’re acutely aware of the role of CCTV in providing evidence of criminal activity; indeed domestic CCTV, including doorbell cameras, is increasingly being used by police to identify suspects. Now, burglars are using the same technology to aid their dishonourable deeds.
A spate of incidents in the US has put us on high alert for the trick to start appearing on our shores – hidden cameras placed outside homes by burglary gangs, who are using the technology to scope out houses remotely.
Several Americans have found cameras hidden in vegetation, under piles of rubbish and in other discreet locations at the front of their properties. These vantage points are chosen to get a good view of the front door while keeping the camera well hidden in an area that looks unkempt or unused. Bushy, leafy shrubs are good hiding places or large planters with several different plants in that will provide cover.
It’s a clever trick and one which flies under the radar of Neighbourhood Watch schemes and vigilant communities, who would notice an unfamiliar vehicle parked up or driving slowly around an area scoping properties. The hidden camera trick requires the criminals to only attend the property once to conceal the camera, and then they can watch the comings and goings from a distance.
Not only will they know when people are home or not, they’ll also be able to see what’s coming into the house, like iPads, tools or TVs. If you keep your keys and/or bag by the front door, putting them there before you close the door, they’ll also see that and could use this knowledge to reach for your keys through the letterbox. They could also potentially watch you input your burglar alarm code and use this information to disable the system when they break in.
Making the exterior of your home an unsuitable place to try this trick is a careful balancing act. Planting and landscaping is often a good way of ensuring home security; spiky shrubs under windows are a deterrent, as are large bushes which obscure the view of the inside of your home from the road. Large bushes are also ideal for hiding a camera in, but we think it is better to have the privacy and conduct regular checks for cameras, than to rip out privacy planting altogether.
Keeping the front of your home well groomed will deter burglars from using this trick – if it’s clear that someone is cutting a lawn, tending to shrubs and watering plants then criminals will avoid using this trick, as you’ll find the camera well before they have a chance to use the footage. Move planters around, and pick up any litter from the front of the house as an extra sign that you are present and vigilant in that area. It is also worth checking specifically for cameras hidden in planters and hedges.
So far there have been no reports of this tactic being used in the UK, but it is only a matter of time before word gets out to the career burglars. We like to stay (at least) one step of the criminals to keep our customers in the know, and safe as houses. If you want to get CCTV that will record what’s going on outside your home for your own peace of mind, call P&R Alarms today.