BREA, CA – The Brea Police Department has issued an urgent warning to homeowners after a resident discovered a camouflaged surveillance camera hidden inside neighborhood shrubbery.
Thieves Using High-Tech Tactics
According to authorities, burglary crews are increasingly planting these hidden devices in landscaping features like bushes, planters, and trees. The stealth cameras allow criminals to monitor residents’ daily routines, track when they leave and return, and identify the perfect window to execute a break-in from a safe distance.
“Burglary crews typically use these devices to surveil homeowners, track daily routines, identify valuables and determine the best time to break in,” the Brea Police Department shared in a public safety alert.
Connection to Broader Regional Trends
This high-tech casing method follows a string of sophisticated residential robberies across Southern California. Just last month in nearby Los Angeles, seven criminal gang members—including four Colombian nationals—were arrested for posing as delivery workers from companies like Amazon, DoorDash, and UberEats to gain access to homes.
Local officials are urging residents to remain hyper-vigilant as theft crews continuously evolve their tactics.
What Homeowners Should Do
Brea Police advised residents to routinely check their front yards, landscaping, and property lines for any unfamiliar or out-of-place objects. Upgrading home security systems with visible cameras can also act as a strong deterrent.
If you find a suspicious object or suspected hidden camera on your property, authorities emphasize the following steps:
- Do Not Touch: Do not move, disturb, or alter the device, as it could pose a safety risk or compromise evidence.
- Clear the Area: Step away from the immediate vicinity.
- Report It: Call the Brea Police Department immediately at 714-990-7911.
Once dispatched, officers will secure the area, inspect the device, and process it as evidence for an ongoing investigation.
