The art of casing a house for burglary has evolved significantly in the digital age. Gone are the days when criminals would physically roam neighborhoods or scour through obituaries to find their next target. Today, with a few clicks and swipes, burglars can plan their heists from the comfort of their own homes, using tools like Google Maps, Zillow, and Redfin. These platforms, meant to enhance convenience for homeowners and prospective buyers, are now being exploited by tech-savvy criminals for nefarious purposes.
According to reports from California’s Riverside Police Department, investigators have uncovered that criminals are using these free online services to aid in planning burglaries. “Our detectives confiscate digital devices, and when we obtain search warrants, we often find that criminals were using platforms like Google Maps and Zillow to scout out homes,” said Ryan Railsback, Public Information Officer of Riverside PD.
The implications of this modern approach to burglary are chilling. With high-definition satellite images available via Google Earth and detailed street views offered on Google Street View, criminals can virtually “case the joint” without ever leaving their computer. Real estate sites like Zillow and Redfin make the job even easier by offering interior photos, floor plans, and in some cases, videos that showcase every nook and cranny of a home.
Pat Brosnan, a former NYPD detective and security expert, warns homeowners to be cautious when posting real estate listings online. “In the past, you’d have to drive around with binoculars to scope out a target. Now, you can gather more intelligence from your couch than you ever could on foot,” Brosnan told Fox News Digital.
The concern is that potential burglars are using the wealth of information available online to find vulnerabilities in homes. “If you post a 360-degree video tour, you’re basically giving criminals a detailed map of your property. They can pause, zoom in, and analyze everything—windows, doors, security systems, and even the placement of motion-activated lights,” Brosnan explained.
The problem is even more pronounced when it comes to exterior photos on platforms like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com. Sharon Polsky, President of the Privacy & Access Council of Canada, highlighted how thieves use these images to plan their moves. “Car thieves, for example, can look at a driveway and see if any high-value vehicles are parked outside. If the house has flags or makeshift window coverings, that might signal an older vehicle, one that’s easier to steal and carries lower legal risks,” Polsky stated.
For homeowners looking to sell, there’s a delicate balance between showcasing the home’s best features and protecting privacy. Brosnan offers practical advice: “You don’t have to post every single detail. Avoid showing close-ups of security cameras, alarm systems, or even specific windows and door locks. These are things burglars can exploit.”
Polsky also recommends taking control of what appears online. “Make sure the listing doesn’t reveal your house number, and try not to include any personal items or valuable artwork in the photos. This minimizes the risk of attracting unwanted attention,” she advised.
Another important step is blurring your home on Google Street View. While Google has built-in algorithms that blur license plates and faces, homeowners can request to have their entire property blurred. This process is simple—just find your home on Street View, click “Report a problem,” and fill out a short form. According to Google, it takes about a week to blur an address, and the change is permanent.
Brosnan also urges homeowners to keep their social media habits in check. “Don’t post about your vacation while you’re away, especially if your profile isn’t private. You’re basically advertising that your home is empty,” he cautioned. Waiting until you return to share your vacation photos can make all the difference.
While technology has enabled criminals, it can also be a homeowner’s best friend. Railsback of Riverside PD recommends installing visible security cameras and prominently displaying signs that indicate an alarm system is in place. “If a criminal sees that your house has multiple layers of security, they might think twice,” he said.
In addition to technology, old-fashioned community awareness still plays a key role in keeping homes safe. “Befriend your neighbors,” Railsback advised. “If you’re going out of town, ask them to keep an eye on your house or give them access to your security cameras.” A trusted neighbor is often the first line of defense when it comes to spotting suspicious activity.
As we move further into a tech-driven world, the lines between convenience and security continue to blur. While tools like Zillow and Google Maps have made life easier for millions of people, they have also given criminals unprecedented access to detailed information that can be exploited.
The lesson for homeowners is clear: be mindful of the information you share online and take proactive steps to secure your home—both physically and digitally. With the right precautions, you can stay one step ahead of those who might seek to take advantage of the digital age for all the wrong reasons.
