Homeowners blurring their homes on Google Maps to deter burglars. How to do it

LOS ANGELES - Many Southern California homeowners are taking action to protect themselves from violent crimes.  

Recently, more people have been blurring their homes on Google Maps to help deter burglars. 

The idea is gaining popularity with those in Los Angeles as people have seen more home invasions and burglaries in recent months.  

Google Maps is a great tool to help people navigate and find restaurants, homes, or buildings, but it also gives criminals a bird's eye view of your home. Criminals might use the images to look for security cameras, side windows, fences, etc.  

Riverside Police Department's burglary detective Jarid Zuetel says you'd be surprised by what they find when they investigate break-ins.

"With technology becoming more and more accessible, more and more people, including thieves, are using it to their advantage," Zuetel said. "In talking with people after arresting them for burglary, they tell us that they're able to scope out the house to look into it using online platforms like Google Maps."

SUGGESTED: 

• Homeowner confronts, shoots intruder at Valley Village home
• Brentwood home invasion suspects threaten woman with crowbar while kids are home: LAPD
• Encino home of music producers hit by burglars
• Burglars hit another Encino home, neighbors say they’re ‘scared’

How to blur your home  

Cyber security teacher Jay Gehringer says the process to blur your home really easy to do and may help a homeowner feel less vulnerable. 

Users first find their property on Google Maps. Click ‘report a problem’ in the upper left corner.  

You will then be prompted to answer a few questions and submit your request to Google.  

Google says after a home is blurred and published, it can not be removed.  

For more information, visit Support.Google.com. 

But, would it help keep the thieves away?

"I think most are going to drive down the street... this is just 1% safer," Gehringer said.

"I think that blurring out your home on google can make your house less of a target," Zeutel said.