How burglars use Google to target homes

TAMPA - Investigators say a Chicago man broke into nine suburban homes and stole more than $100,000 worth of jewelry and electronics -- and they say he used Google Maps as an accomplice.

Police arrested Samuel Watson, and they say he told investigators he started out by Googling "expensive homes near highway."

He then used Google Maps and Google Earth to scope out his targets and plot his escape routes.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says using Google and other social media is very popular with criminals.

"A lot of these gated communities, they're not allowed to get inside. What's the best way to look at it is go to Google maps and they have an actual, virtual street view. Those are things that these burglars are going to look for," said Larry McKinnon, with the sheriff's office.

Kenneth Stewart owns a security firm in Tampa. He advises and installs security systems for business and private homes. He says Google Maps and other search engines show far too much.

"There is a fine line between need to know information and privacy. And I wish some of these companies would have more of a corporate responsibility, and not to make it so easy to access this information," Stewart said.

Stewart also said that homeowners should be mindful about what they put on social media.

"Don't say or put anything online that you wouldn't say to a stranger," he advised.

So how do you keep your home from becoming a target for would-be thieves?

First, check this map to see if a Street View of your home is available:
http://maps.google.com/intl/en_us/help/maps/streetview/learn/where-is-street-view.html

Then, Google Maps allows you to blur your home’s image. Here is a link with directions:
http://maps.google.com/intl/en_us/help/maps/streetview/privacy.html