Hidden Camera Discovered Near Home Targeted in Burglary, Police Warn Residents

Whittier police are urging residents to be vigilant after detectives investigating a burglary discovered a hidden camera planted across the street from the targeted home. The device, disguised with artificial leaves, was powered by a large battery and its own hotspot, suggesting a sophisticated attempt at surveillance.

The camera was found tucked into bushes at the dead end of Hadley Street, according to the Whittier Police Department. This discovery has prompted authorities to issue a warning, emphasizing that burglars may use such concealed devices to monitor properties and identify opportunities for criminal activity.

Authorities recommend that residents regularly inspect their properties, including landscaping and bushes, for any unusual or out-of-place objects that could be surveillance devices. They also advise maintaining trimmed vegetation, securing all entry points, utilizing exterior lighting and security cameras, and installing home alarm systems.

This incident is not isolated; in June, police in Brea issued a similar warning after a surveillance device was found concealed in neighborhood bushes, indicating a potential pattern of such tactics in Southern California.

The burglary investigation in Whittier remains ongoing, and police have not yet determined who planted the camera or how long it had been in place.