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Law enforcement agencies across the country are noting an alarming crime trend of hidden cameras being placed in residents’ lawns and gardens.
Officials believe the hidden cameras are strategically placed by burglary suspects to give them insight into when a target home might be unoccupied.
On May 24, the NYPD received a report of unlawful surveillance just past midnight. The caller reported finding a cellphone, cellphone charger and cable buried in his front yard, according to a spokesperson.
“There is no arrest, and the investigation remains ongoing,” the spokesperson said. “Anyone who thinks they have been a victim is encouraged to go to their local precinct and file a report or call 911.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office warned residents to watch out for hidden cameras in their shrubs, which are used by burglars to conduct surveillance on homes. (LA County Sheriff’s Office)
According to the sheriff’s office, so-called South American Theft Groups are typically made up of Chilean or Colombian nationals in the U.S. on limited tourist visas.
The “highly organized criminal enterprises” go from state to state, committing burglaries and thefts. The group uses technology that allows access to cameras from remote locations, giving them the ability to conduct real-time surveillance, the sheriff’s office noted.
Fox News’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.