Hidden Cameras Used by Burglars to Scout Homes Before Neighborhood Break-Ins

California residents are being urged to remain vigilant as authorities uncover a concerning new tactic employed by burglars. These criminals are reportedly using disguised surveillance cameras to monitor potential targets, a strategy designed to gather intelligence before making their move.

This unsettling development emerged following an incident involving the San José Police Department, which responded to a call in an east-side neighborhood of the city last Thursday. Upon arrival, officers discovered that burglars had concealed a camouflaged camera within the shrubbery outside a residence, using it to clandestinely observe the property.

The homeowner, who later stumbled upon the hidden device, promptly alerted the police. The camera has since been taken into custody by law enforcement for further investigation.

In an effort to raise public awareness, the San José Police Department has released a photograph of the camouflaged camera, underscoring the importance of community vigilance in deterring such sophisticated criminal activities.

Police shared a photo of a camouflaged camera. (San Jose Police Department)

Authorities said the camera was attached to a power bank and positioned facing the house, presumably to monitor the residents in preparation for a burglary or other criminal activity. 

SJPD Burglary Unit detectives opened an investigation, later finding a second camouflaged device near the area of where the first camera was located. 

The second device is believed to be a Wi-Fi powered device, according to officials.

Police shared a photo of a camouflaged Wi-Fi device that can be used by burglars to spy on victims. (San Jose Police Department)

Following the shocking discovery, the department told residents it had received “several” reports of deceptive tactics used to case unoccupied homes, signifying a trend.

Suspects are known to plant hidden surveillance devices, or pose as delivery service providers or landscapers to determine when homes are unoccupied before committing burglaries.

San Jose authorities said surveillance trends have been identified in the city. (Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“As a reminder, remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity helps keep our neighborhoods safe,” the agency wrote in a statement.

Authorities also said to watch out for people ringing doorbells to see if anyone answers, packages left at doors to test whether a home is vacant, and unfamiliar vehicles or people repeatedly passing by a house.

If a homeowner finds a suspicious device, the department said not to touch it and call law enforcement.

No arrests have been made in the recent San José case, according to the department.