Technology can be a useful tool in discouraging potential criminals, even though it cannot totally remove the risk of burglary. Reducing how visible your house is on Google Maps is one tactic. How to do it is as follows:
First, ask for a Google Maps blur:
Send in a Request: Go to Google Maps and look up your address. Search for the “Edit Place” or “Report a Problem” option.
Go with “Blur My Home”: If you choose this option, be sure to explain why you want your home to be masked.
Await Approval: After considering your request, Google will choose whether to blur your residence.
- Restrict Information Made Publicly Available:
Social Networks: Refrain from sharing images or videos of the outside of your house on social media.
Property Records: Verify the accuracy and timeliness of your property records. You may be able to ask for specific details to be redacted in some areas.
Internet directories: Take down your residential address from sites such as Intelius or Whitepages. - Adjust Your Google Profile:
Privacy Settings: Check that the information about you that is made publicly available is as little as possible by reviewing your Google account’s privacy settings.
Location History: Disable your location history to stop Google from following you around and connecting your activities to your residential address. - Hide Your IP Address with a VPN: Your IP address can be hidden with a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which increases the difficulty of someone locating you.
- Take into Account a Home Security System:
Deterrence: Potential burglars may be discouraged by a visible home security system.
Monitoring: In the event of a break-in, certain systems can notify authorities and provide remote monitoring. - Exterior and Landscaping Changes:
Diminish Visibility To make your windows less visible from the street, trim the plants and trees close to them.
Security Lighting: To light up your property at night, use motion-activated lights.
Strengthen Points of Entry: Put robust locks and security devices on windows and doors to reinforce them. - Community Watch:
Participate: Take part in your neighborhood watch program to improve security and exchange information.
Recall that no security solution is infallible, even though following these procedures will help lessen your home’s visibility on Google Maps and discourage potential criminals. To establish a complete safety plan, it is imperative to integrate these tactics with other home security measures.