Can Blurring Your Home on Google Maps Deter Burglars?
Written on
Introduction
Recently, a local news segment highlighted an interesting option for homeowners amid rising burglary reports. Even though I am not yet a homeowner, I was intrigued when I heard the mention of Google Maps during the broadcast.
The commentator noted that modern criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, particularly in their methods of planning home invasions. With the advancements in technology and the myriad of digital tools available, it has become significantly easier for perpetrators to execute successful break-ins, especially in wealthy neighborhoods.
The alarming incident involving the former president illustrates how even basic drones, which are widely accessible, can cause harm when misused. Additionally, the prevalence of digital surveillance devices, easily purchasable either in stores or online, has empowered criminals further.
The Role of Google Maps in Burglary Planning
Today’s home invaders utilize Google Maps to their advantage. This tool not only allows them to scout potential targets but also provides various perspectives to aid in the logistics and planning of break-ins and escape routes. With such technologically adept criminals on the loose, it's no surprise that the idea of concealing your home on Google Maps appears to be a promising deterrent against burglaries.
According to reports, Google offers an option for homeowners to blur their property online, potentially making it less likely to be identified as a target. One law enforcement official, who was previously unaware of this feature, acknowledged its potential effectiveness in preventing break-ins.
How to Blur Your Home on Google Maps
If you're considering the idea of obscuring your home on Google, the process is straightforward, but there are essential details to keep in mind. If you have already submitted a current image of your property and wish to have it blurred, you can either:
- Remove the image.
- Blur the image yourself and resubmit it.
However, if Google holds the rights to the current photo, you'll need to either report the image or request it be blurred. You can ask for blurring on photos that feature:
- Your face
- Your home
- Other identifiable information
To report a photo for blurring, follow these steps:
- Open Google Maps.
- Locate and select the 360-degree photo of your property.
- Click on the "Report a problem" link in the bottom right corner.
- Fill out the form and click "Submit."
Google promises to review your request promptly, so ensure you include your email address for any follow-up.
Considerations and Conclusion
When contemplating the option to blur your property as a potential burglar deterrent, I have mixed feelings about its efficacy. On one hand, it seems like a sensible approach to obscure features that might signal your home as a desirable target. On the other hand, having your image blurred could make it more conspicuous compared to other properties in the area.
Could this blurring inadvertently suggest to a criminal that your home is indeed the one to target? This is a crucial consideration for anyone thinking about using the Google Maps blurring feature. For further information, visit: Google Maps Help.
This video discusses how homeowners are using Google Maps to obscure their homes in an effort to deter burglars.
This video delves into the methods people are employing to blur their homes on Google Maps to prevent robberies.