Newsweek: Californians Being Warned About Tiny Hidden Cameras

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Mar 13, 2025

California Residents Warned About Hidden Cameras

Published Mar 12, 2025 at 10:46 AM EDTUpdated Mar 12, 2025 at 12:59 PM EDT

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By Sophie Clark

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Southern California residents have been warned about potential robbers allegedly using security cameras to watch people.

There were two reports in March of hidden cameras being found outside Southern California homes, which have sparked concern they are being used to track people's movements and routines in order to determine a good time to break into their houses.

Why It Matters

Three people were arrested in Southern California last September for setting up a hidden camera outside of a Temecula property. Despite these arrests, the behavior appears to be ongoing.

Cameras are intended to be used by homeowners to keep their houses safe. However, in some places, including LA and other Southern California towns, the cameras could be being used to stalk homeowners and gain information on their properties.

"Security cameras are so prevalent and affordable nowadays that criminals are adding them to their arsenal," Rob Gabriele, a security expert and managing editor at Safehome, told Realtor.com.

Newsweek has contacted the Los Angeles Police Department via email for comment.

What to Know

On March 9, the daughter of an Encino couple, who wished to remain anonymous, found a hidden camera outside of her parents' property, as reported by KTLA.

She was walking her children to her parents' house when she spotted an object hidden in the bushes by the house. Upon closer inspection the object was a camera attached to wires. A second object, which the family believes is a hard drive, was found nearby.

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The daughter told KTLA: "We're all shaken and we couldn't believe that they are watching my parents' activity here, and God knows how long it's been there and they didn't even notice.

"They want to see probably when my parents are not home, the car is getting out of the garage, basically they see if you're not here, that's a good opportunity for them to come and break in."

They are not the only Southern California residents to have found a hidden camera on their property this month.

On March 2, a San Bernardino County resident called the local sheriff's department after spotting a device painted to look like a plant to fit into the property's landscaping.

In photos released by the Chino Hills Police Department, the camera and an attached power device were wrapped in leaves to blend in.

Following the incident, authorities said: "If a similar device is found, do not touch it and contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for assistance."

These cameras are not only being found in LA. Hidden cameras have been found in other, often affluent, parts of the country, such as the wealthy New York suburb of Scarsdale.

Kirk MacDowell, the founder and CEO of MacGuard Security Advisors, spoke with Newsweek about this phenomenon.

"It is hard to know when the trend started as many of the cameras that are eventually recovered are hidden and in fact may not be discovered for some time," he said. "However, the activity surrounding hidden cameras appears to have gained prominence over the last 3 years.

"In most states, by law, private cameras may not be installed that peer into a home. This is to prevent someone from installing a camera that could view into a neighbor's home. A legally installed camera will not have any covert attributes. The camera will be visible and not concealed in any way. Professional security companies that install cameras do so in conformance with all local and or state laws."

Chino Hills PD cameras — Photos of hidden cameras found in San Bernadino county on March 2. **Chino Hills PD**

What People Are Saying

MacDowell told Newsweek: "These perpetrators are well trained and organized using surveillance methods. I recommend that homeowners use counter surveillance measures."

What Happens Next

Authorities have urged people who may be concerned about these devices to keep their homes well lit, to ask a trusted landscaper or gardener to check the garden for hidden cameras, to secure their WiFi from intruders, and to set up their own security cameras.

MacDowell's advice for people who suspect a camera has been set up to watch them is: "Most importantly, notify your local law enforcement agency. Second, if you don't have a professionally installed security system monitored by a UL Listed central station, get one right away. If you have a security system already installed, upgrade it with motion sensing cameras that are tied into the alarm system."

Update 03/12/25 at 12:58 p.m. ET: This story was updated to include comment from security expert Kirk MacDowell.

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