Homeowners are facing a new security threat as criminals increasingly exploit online real estate platforms and digital maps to plan burglaries, FOX News reports.
Websites like Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and Google Street View provide detailed information about homes, including interior photos and high-definition street views, which can be misused by would-be thieves to target properties.
Traditionally, burglars would scout neighborhoods or review obituaries to find potential targets. Today, with the extensive data available online, criminals can conduct their planning from the comfort of their homes using readily accessible digital tools.
In California, the Riverside Police Department has reported cases where criminals, upon arrest, have shown evidence of using online real estate sites and Google Maps to scope out potential burglary targets.
“Our detectives have discovered suspects’ search histories on Google Maps and real estate sites like Zillow and Redfin,” said Ryan Railback, Public Information Officer for the Riverside Police.
This trend highlights how digital tools are being used to gain intelligence about homes before committing crimes.
Google’s extensive mapping capabilities, including high-definition imagery from Google Earth and Google Street View, cover a vast portion of the world. Zillow alone reported approximately 130 million home listings in the US as of July 2024, with detailed interior photos often remaining accessible even after properties are sold.
Former NYPD detective and security expert Pat Brosnan noted that these platforms allow potential burglars to “case a property” more effectively than traditional methods. He advises homeowners to limit the amount of detailed information and imagery shared online when listing their properties. For instance, he suggests avoiding 360-degree videos that can reveal security systems, windows, and locks.
Sharon Polsky, president of the Privacy & Access Council of Canada, pointed out that Google Maps can also aid car thieves by revealing the type and number of vehicles at an address. This information helps criminals select targets based on the types of cars present, potentially making it easier to steal high-value vehicles.
To mitigate these risks, security experts recommend several strategies for homeowners. Brosnan suggests avoiding detailed photos of security systems and ensuring that listings do not show night-time images that reveal motion-activated spotlights. He also advises homeowners to consider blurring their home’s image on Google Maps by using the “Report a problem” feature, which can obscure their property from view.
Additionally, experts recommend maintaining a low profile on social media, particularly when on vacation. Posting updates about being away from home can alert criminals to an opportunity.
Homeowners who wish to retain control over their online property listings can claim ownership on platforms like Zillow, which allows them to modify or remove photos. Zillow emphasizes the importance of privacy and encourages homeowners to use their tools to manage their listings. Redfin, Realtor.com, and Google have not responded to requests for comment on these security measures.
As this issue evolves, homeowners are encouraged to be proactive in managing their online presence and considering security enhancements to protect their properties from potential threats.
