Alhambra Resident Discovers Planted Camera Near Scene of Attempted Home Burglary

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

ALHAMBRA - In what is becoming a more common tool for burglars, a hidden camera was found planted in a residential yard June 17.

The camera found in the 1900 block of S. Primrose Ave. was planted in a yard and was pointed at a house that was the scene of an attempted burglary, according to the Alhambra Police Department.

The neighbor of the burglary victim discovered the camera nestled in some bushes.

The victim’s burglary alarm company also received an alarm activation of an attempted break-in through the kitchen window earlier that day, according to the Alhambra Police Department.

“Unfortunately, camouflage cameras are a tactic being used in residential burglaries. These cameras are strategically placed in discrete areas, such as bushes, to allow thieves to gather information about homeowners' daily routines to burglarize their homes,” according to the Alhambra Police Department in a written statement.

Police offer some advice:

• Keep an eye out for suspicious people knocking on doors. They may be checking whether someone is home.
  


• Never leave a house key hidden at home. Don’t leave a name or ID tag attached to keys either. If lost or stolen, thieves can locate your home.
  


• If you spot a suspicious vehicle, write down the license plate and report it.
  


• Good lighting is the best deterrent against crime, so keep your front porch and exteriors well lit.
  


• If you spot a broken window, or open door, do not enter and call police immediately.
  


• Always lock doors and windows when leaving, even if only for a moment.
  


• Keep trees and bushes well trimmed to prevent hiding spots for thieves.
  


• Install home security cameras, and monitor them frequently.