BREA, CA – Brea police are urging local residents to inspect their properties carefully after a hidden surveillance camera was found camouflaged inside a residential yard.
The Discovery in Brea
The incident came to light when a sharp-eyed resident spotted a recording device carefully disguised to blend into the surrounding shrubbery. According to the Brea Police Department, organized burglary crews are increasingly using this high-tech tactic to stalk neighborhood homes.
These hidden cameras allow thieves to track homeowners’ daily routines, monitor when properties are vacant, and identify potential high-value targets before planning a break-in.
A Growing Trend Across Southern California
Brea is not the only city targeted by these sophisticated operations. Law enforcement agencies across Southern California have recently reported identical tactics being used by residential burglary rings in other communities, including Alhambra and several neighborhoods across the San Gabriel Valley.
“These cameras are usually hidden in bushes, planters, or trees, blending seamlessly into your landscaping,” Brea police officials warned in a public safety alert.
Police Recommendations for Homeowners
To protect your home from these sophisticated scouting methods, the Brea Police Department recommends taking the following precautions:
- Trim Landscaping: Keep trees, bushes, and planters well-trimmed to remove potential hiding spots for unauthorized devices.
- Routine Inspections: Regularly check your property’s perimeter for any unusual objects, wires, or modified plastic cases hidden in the dirt or leaves.
- Active Security: Install your own visible home security systems and actively monitor your property’s activity logs.
What To Do If You Find One
If you discover a suspicious or out-of-place device on your property, do not touch, move, or remove it.
Police advise leaving the camera exactly where it is so investigators can attempt to retrieve fingerprints, DNA, or digital evidence. Immediately contact the Brea Police Department at 714-990-7911 to report the discovery.
