Some homeowners in Southern California are taking a unique step to deter break-ins: blurring their homes on Google Maps. The move is simple but strategic.

By obscuring their home from Street View, they aim to make it harder for would-be burglars to digitally scout things like entry points, security cameras, or signs of high-value items.

According to police and crime experts, criminals frequently use tools like Google Maps to case homes before deciding which ones to hit.

Here is how to blur your own home:

1. Go to Google Maps on a desktop (not the mobile app).
2. Enter your address and drag the little yellow figure to the street for Street View.
3. In the top-left corner, click “Report a problem.”
4. Fill out the form, positioning the blur box over your home and explaining why you want it blurred.

Google will review the request, and once it’s approved, the blur is permanent.

While experts agree it can boost privacy and reduce risk, one criminologist noted it could backfire by signaling that something valuable is being hidden.

It’s a simple action that could give homeowners peace of mind.