Residents Protecting Homes from Burglars on Google Maps

In a growing trend, some homeowners in Southern California are opting to blur their residences on Google Maps as a precautionary measure against potential burglaries. According to Ryan Railsback, an officer with the Riverside Police Department, this tactic is gaining traction among residents concerned about their home security. Google has confirmed that users can easily request to have their homes blurred by clicking the "Report a problem" button on the platform. The practice of blurring homes on Google Maps is not new, as noted by Christopher Herrmann, a professor of law and police science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He explained that this digital strategy could deter thieves who often scout locations online to assess a home's layout, entry points, and security features. By obscuring their homes, residents hope to make it more challenging for would-be burglars to gather information. However, Herrmann cautioned that this approach could backfire. If a property is blurred, it might raise suspicions among thieves, leading them to believe that the home contains valuables or vulnerabilities worth investigating further. This paradox highlights the complexities of using digital tools for personal security. For those interested in blurring their homes, the process is straightforward. Users must access Street View mode on the Google Maps website, as the mobile app does not support this feature. A questionnaire will guide them through the steps to submit their request for blurring their property.