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Protect Your Home: Blur Photos on Google Maps and Zillow From Burglars

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In today’s world, technology has undeniably simplified our lives in countless ways. From smart home devices that manage grocery lists, set reminders, and control home lighting, to those that double as security cameras and music speakers, the conveniences are endless. However, California police caution that the internet can also increase the risk of home theft. Consequently, more images of homes are being blurred on public platforms such as Google Maps and Zillow.

“The problem is the internet makes everything super easy these days,” Jarid Zuetel, a detective with the Riverside Police Department, told ABC 7 News.

“They’re able to use Redfin, Zillow, and then just simple image searches.”

Google Maps, for instance, allows users to view homes from the street level. This 360-degree viewfinder can inadvertently assist burglars in casing a home.

Furthermore, real estate platforms like Zillow often display the interior of homes, showcasing personal effects and other details. These images can help thieves identify side entrances, escape routes, and hiding places.

Therefore, police and security officials are advising residents to blur images of their homes on Google Street View and Zillow.

“Criminals are coming up with new and innovative ways to do their job, so we need to be up on how to do ours,” said Riverside police officer Ryan Railsback.

Blurring your home on Google Maps is a straightforward process that takes less than five minutes. Simply locate your address, select “report a problem” in the upper left corner, and follow the guided questions before clicking “submit.”

Once your request is approved and your home is blurred, this action is irreversible, notes ABC 7 News.

To hide or remove photos of your home on Zillow, first claim ownership of your property page. This requires creating a free Zillow account and verifying your ownership by completing a questionnaire. Detailed instructions can be found on the website.

After claiming ownership, you can edit your home’s property page to hide or remove images.

Beyond the internet, burglars are also leveraging smart devices like drones to assist in their activities. Drones can scan for properties with pools or dogs, which may pose obstacles, and capture images of windows and doors.

“As technology becomes more and more accessible to everybody, your criminals are using that technology to their advantage,” added Zeutel.

Law enforcement expert Bruce Thomas recommended displaying prominent signage around your property to indicate the presence of security cameras and guard dogs.

By taking these precautions, you can help protect your home from becoming an easy target for burglars.


How do you feel about the practice of blurring images of residences on public domains to deter burglars?

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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  1. Timothy

    September 4, 2024 at 6:14 pm

    people that commit crimes should be separated from the law abiding, taxpayers in society. Public servants that take an oath to We the People, and do not do their job, should be the first one to made examples of. OFF with their heads. If not, we all will suffer, the killing will get out of hand. That started in the 1860’s. Welcome to socialist Amerika, you have earned it, you paid for it $ $ $laves

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Preparedness

Good Samaritan Saves Trooper in Harrowing Interstate Confrontation

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A recent incident on Interstate 49 in Rogers, Arkansas, has brought to light the dangers faced by state troopers and the critical role of Good Samaritans. On July 27, 26-year-old Guatemalan national Angel Zapet-Alvarado was recorded on dashcam video resisting arrest after being pulled over for driving at a staggering 114 miles per hour in heavy traffic.

Arkansas State Police released the dashcam footage on Wednesday, showing the tense moments that unfolded when Trooper Alexandria Duncan attempted to stop Zapet-Alvarado. Despite her emergency lights and sirens, he initially refused to pull over.

After finally stopping on the highway shoulder, Zapet-Alvarado continued to defy Duncan’s commands. Duncan observed his hand on the gearshift and took his keys to prevent him from fleeing. However, he resisted exiting the vehicle, prompting Duncan to deploy her taser.

The dashcam video captures Zapet-Alvarado’s persistent refusal to comply with Duncan’s orders to roll over and put his hands behind his back. In response, Duncan triggered the taser multiple times, causing Zapet-Alvarado to cry out in pain.

At one point, Zapet-Alvarado managed to wrestle the taser from Duncan and threw it into interstate traffic. He then escalated the confrontation by kicking Duncan’s head multiple times.

Amid the struggle, 31-year-old Kylie Sutton, a Good Samaritan, rushed to assist Duncan. Upon noticing Sutton, Duncan instructed her to retrieve the taser, which Sutton did. However, Zapet-Alvarado managed to get on top of Duncan.

Sutton intervened by grabbing Zapet-Alvarado from behind and moving him to the ground. Duncan then instructed Sutton to step back and warned Zapet-Alvarado that she would shoot if he continued to resist. When he did not comply, Duncan fired a single round, wounding him in the right temple.

Despite his injury, Zapet-Alvarado continued to resist arrest until another state trooper arrived to assist Duncan. Zapet-Alvarado was then transported to Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas for treatment before being released to law enforcement.

Toxicology reports revealed that Zapet-Alvarado’s blood-alcohol level was .16, twice the legal limit, and that cannabinoids were present in his system. He was subsequently taken to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and placed on hold for a Homeland Security Investigation.

Trooper Duncan sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the altercation and received medical treatment. The state police Criminal Investigation Division reviewed the case, and Benton County Prosecutor Joshua Robinson confirmed that Duncan’s use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.

Col. Mike Hagar expressed his support for Trooper Duncan, stating, “I wholeheartedly support Trooper Duncan. We tell our troopers to trust their instincts and lean into their experience and training when they’re on the highways. Anyone who has walked in a trooper’s boots knows that trusting your gut keeps you safe so that you can protect and serve the public. In our world, hesitation can get you killed.”

Hagar also praised the bravery of both Duncan and Sutton, adding, “I thank God that he gave Alex the strength to survive that encounter, and that he put Kylie by her side when she needed support the most. I’m so proud of them both.”

This incident underscores the unpredictable and perilous nature of law enforcement duties and highlights the importance of community support in ensuring the safety of officers and the public.


How should citizens respond when witnessing a law enforcement officer in a physical altercation?

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Preparedness

Robot Heroics: Texas Standoff Ends with High-Tech Takedown

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There’s a new high-tech hero in the realm of law enforcement. A police bomb squad robot recently played a pivotal role in subduing an armed suspect during a tense standoff in Texas.

The incident involved 39-year-old Felix Delarosa, who had a warrant out for his arrest due to a parole violation. According to KCBD, Delarosa had tampered with his electronic monitoring device.

Around 10 a.m. on a Wednesday, members of the Texas Anti-Gang unit located Delarosa at a Days Inn hotel in Lubbock. When officers attempted to approach him, Delarosa, who was armed, fired a shot from inside his hotel room.

In response, the officers called in the Lubbock County Sheriff’s SWAT team for assistance.

Negotiations with Delarosa proved challenging as he fired additional shots while barricaded in his room. Amid the exchange, the room’s large glass window was shattered.

To mitigate further risk to law enforcement, the Lubbock Regional Bomb Squad deployed a robot to handle the situation. The robot approached Delarosa’s hotel room, and the suspect attempted to disable it by throwing a bed sheet over it, which proved ineffective.

The robot advanced towards the broken window, prompting Delarosa to shoot at it. In a tactical move, the robot retaliated by deploying tear gas into the room.

Footage shows Delarosa crawling out of the room, visibly disoriented from the tear gas.

As he struggled on the ground, the robot maneuvered on top of him, pinning him down. During this action, the robot’s wheels inadvertently pulled down the suspect’s pants.

SWAT team members then swiftly moved in and apprehended Delarosa, concluding the two-hour standoff.

Following his capture, Delarosa was transported to University Medical Center for treatment of his injuries before being booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center.

He now faces charges of aggravated assault against a public servant.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice noted that Delarosa had previously been sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2017 for manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance. He was released on parole in April 2022.

This incident demonstrates the growing role of technology in law enforcement, showcasing how robotic assistance can effectively and safely manage high-risk situations.


How do you feel about the use of advanced technology, such as bomb squad robots, in law enforcement situations involving armed suspects?

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Preparedness

Self-Defense Ruling in Detroit Tailgate Shooting Sparks Controversy

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A concealed carrier involved in a fatal incident at a Detroit Lions tailgate won’t face charges, as the Wayne County Prosecutor has declared the shooting an act of self-defense. The incident, which took place at the Eastern Market, was captured on cellphone video and involved a confrontation that escalated quickly.

Jalen Welch, the assailant, allegedly pulled a gun and threatened a 40-year-old man, who is a legal concealed pistol owner. In response, the 40-year-old fired a single shot that struck Welch in the head, fatally wounding him.

Tragically, the same bullet also hit an innocent bystander, RayShawn Palmer, who was also killed.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated, “In this case, the shooter was not involved with the physical altercation, or any crime, when Mr. Welch pulled out his weapon and threatened him with deadly force.”

“It is only then that the shooter drew his weapon and fired one-time striking Mr. Welch, and unfortunately striking Mr. Palmer,” Worthy added. “A thorough review of the facts and evidence shows that the shooter acted in lawful self-defense. The shooting was justified. There is insufficient evidence to charge the shooter with any crime.”

The shooter’s attorney expressed relief over the decision.

“My client is very pleased he is not being charged with a crime; it was agonizing sitting in jail for three days awaiting the decision,” the attorney told WJBK-TV.

“He is dealing with a lot of emotions. He feels terrible for the family of the bystander and wishes to extend his condolences, but he is grateful to return to his family. His right to exercise to protect his life and others is absolute. He did nothing to forfeit that right.”

Despite the ruling, Palmer’s family is devastated and angry that no charges are being filed against the shooter.

“This is unbelievable that an individual shoots someone — even though he had a CPL — in an environment like this,” said Jermaine Little, Palmer’s brother. “It could have been a 5-year-old. Unfortunately, it was my brother, and so my whole family is here. We are grieving. We are hurt, and we want some answers.”

Little continued, “Our brother’s gone. This is an individual that wanted to give back, did give back, loved his family, was not a violent person, loved to dance. Just wanted to entertain and for this to happen, for trying to stop something that was happening, it’s unacceptable.”

Palmer’s family has vowed to challenge the no-charges ruling.

“We’re not going to give up,” Little noted. “If we got to get out here every day, if we got to post things, if we got to march — whatever we got to do. We just want some answers. Give us some answers.”

This incident highlights the complexities and emotional toll of self-defense cases, especially when innocent lives are lost.


What is your primary concern regarding incidents involving concealed carry and self-defense?

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