An alert resident in San Bernardino County called the sheriff’s department when they noticed a portable power supply device in their driveway. What deputies found was all too common these days: a hidden camera system installed by thieves.

The resident of Canon Lane in Chino Hills made the discovery on Sunday, March 2.

“A deputy searched the area around the home and discovered a concealed camera in a bush near the house,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement. “The camera was camouflaged as a plant and was connected to a power supply device.”

The department released photographs of the devices, which closely matched the property’s natural landscaping.

“If a similar device is found, do not touch it and contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for assistance,” authorities said.

A neighbor told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson that several homes were burglarized in the upscale community last year, prompting the homeowner’s association to encourage residents to install security cameras in their front and back yards.

Law enforcement officials say hidden cameras are becoming increasingly popular among thieves in Southern California who use them to spy on properties to determine when residents are home or away.

Last May, four Colombian nationals were arrested in Glendale in an alleged “burglary tourism” operation involving hidden cameras. Similar cases have been reported in Temecula, Arcadia, Garden Grove, and other communities.

To avoid becoming a victim, police in Chino Hills recommend the following tips:

• Keep your property well-lit.
• Ask a trusted gardener to inspect trees and bushes for hidden devices routinely.
• Have a video surveillance system and review it for suspicious activity.
• Secure your home’s Wi-Fi with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.

Anyone with information regarding the Chino Hills incident is urged to contact the police department at (909) 364-2000. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463).