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From: JAB <here@is.invalid>
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Subject: Google Maps helps thieves
Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:33:01 -0600
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Google Maps helps thieves find their next target but you can stop them
from making you a victim

Google Maps and the integrated Street Views feature can be used by
thieves to help plan the break-in of a home
....
....
Criminals are also using the zoomed-in images of homes on Street View
in Google Maps to ascertain if a home has a front-door camera or an
elaborate exterior security system. Security analyst Linskey said,
"Technology is getting better and better, and criminals are using
technology to get better and better."

But there is a way that you can blur the image of your home in Street
View in Google Maps.You'll have to use the desktop version of Google
Maps since this blurring feature is not available on either the iOS or
Android app. So the first thing you have to do is open the Google Maps
website at GoogleMaps.com. Navigate to your home address and a
drop-down menu appears on the screen. Tap on the Street View image and
you'll see a black box with three vertical white dots. Press on the
dots and it opens a menu that includes "Report a problem." Tap on it.

That leads you to a page called "Report Inappropriate Street View."
You can use your mouse and other controls to position a red square on
exactly the area of the Street View image that you want blurred. You
can request to blur your face if it was captured by Street View
cameras, have your home blurred, your license plate, or a different
object. You can also submit a complaint about incorrect navigational
arrows in Street View, or a complaint about poor image quality. Follow
the directions to have a specific home, car, or face blurred on Google
Maps.

Keep in mind that once a property is blurred, the change is permanent.
Security Analyst Linskey suggests that you also blur the interior of
your homes if they appear on websites such as Redfin and Zillow. We'd
probably be surprised at the number of thioeves who use those websites
to help them checkout a potential target in advance.

https://www.phonearena.com/news/how-to-prevent-google-maps-from-leading-thieves-to-your-home_id165098