Criminals use Google Maps to scout out their next victims. Here’s how to protect yourself
2 mins read

Criminals use Google Maps to scout out their next victims. Here’s how to protect yourself

It’s a simple step that can wipe your home off the radar of would-be thieves.

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Homeowners are blurring their properties on Google Maps to deter potential burglars.

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“Our homes we live in, the vehicles we drive, the places we live are accessible to everyone around the world,” security analyst Daniel Linskey said.

Linskey said organized criminals analyze properties using Google Street View to scout for potential targets, analyzing the value and layout of homes, how to get in and out and whether there is a visible front door camera or exterior surveillance system.

“Technology is getting better and better, and criminals are using technology to get better and better,” Linskey said.

He said one step people are taking to limit criminals’ access to that technology is to erase their home on Google Maps — a simple step you can do in moments.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Go to Google Maps using the website and navigate to Street View mode of your address.

  • A drop-down menu appears in the upper left corner of the screen.

  • There, click on “Report a problem”.

  • A questionnaire then allows you to identify where and why you want the Street View image to be blurred.

Renee Krikorian said she never knew deleting her home on Google Maps was an option.

“I think I’d like to blur my house. Who really needs to see my house but me and my family?” Krikorian said.

You have to do it on your computer because the blur feature is not available in the Google Maps app.

It is also important to know that when a property is blurred, the change is permanent.

Linskey also suggests considering removing interior photos from websites like Redfin and Zillow.

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