How to Blur Your Home on Google Earth for Security
Burglars can use online tools like Google Maps and property portals to scope out their targets. Find out if your property is safe and how to protect your information online.
More than 700 properties are burgled in the UK every day according to government figures, so it’s no surprise that a growing number of homeowners are going online to deter potential thieves by removing photos and floorplans from property portals such as Rightmove, OnTheMarket and Zoopla.
But there are other online tools homeowners can employ to protect their property and stay one step ahead of tech-savvy thieves: blurring the images of your property as they appear on the Street View of Google maps.
While many of us innocently use Street View to plan our routes and take virtual walks around the world’s most famous landmarks, it is also an effective resource for criminals to exploit when planning break ins and the stealing of cars, caravans and GPS-enabled farm equipment at a growing rate.
Alicia Hempsted, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “We’ve all curiously typed our address into Street View to see if the Google car has captured us going about our lives, but while faces and registration plates are automatically blurred in Google's 360-degree imagery, our homes are not.
“Thieves are increasingly leveraging technology to their advantage, using detailed online images and property listings to meticulously plan their break-ins. By examining floor plans, photos, and even satellite images, they can identify entry points, security weaknesses, and valuable assets.
“This level of information allows them to execute their crimes with precision, making it more important than ever for homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their privacy and security. Blurring your home on Google Earth and being cautious about what you share online are essential measures in safeguarding your property against tech-savvy criminals.”
How thieves use these online imagery to plan burglaries
When looking at the photos of a house on a property portal, criminals study the internal pictures of houses to gauge the valuables potentially on offer.
Thanks to the floor plan often included on the site, a thief can gain confidence on how to move smoothly through the home, highlighting any threats, for instance dogs or security systems. Studying this means a thief can streamline the process to ensure they’re in and out in a matter of minutes.
Google Street View also means that with just one click of the mouse, a criminal can check out the proximity of neighbours, the ease of access and escape routes.
How to stop burglars using Google Street View and property portals to rob you
Blurring your home on Google Earth is a straightforward process. Navigate to Street View mode at your address using the website.
The option to request a blurring of your home will not appear on the mobile app.
A drop-down menu will appear in the top-left corner of the screen.
Navigate to the option labelled “Report a Problem.”
A questionnaire will present you with prompts to identify where and why you would like the Street View image to be blurred. Google Maps may follow up with you for additional information.
In addition to blurring their homes on Google Street View, people should consider removing images showing the interior of their homes on websites like Rightmove and Zoopla.
Even if it hasn’t been recently listed, you could still be at risk as there’s a good chance it has appeared online over the last decade or more and the images will still be in the public domain.
To get the description, images and floorplan for your property removed from Rightmove, email sold.prices@rightmove.co.uk or fill in the online form. To have images removed from OnTheMarket, submit your details using their online form. For Zoopla, either email help@zoopla.co.uk or complete the online contact form.
How to protect yourself if your home is up for sale
If you're looking to put your home up for sale, there’s no denying that photography is possibly the most significant marketing tool in your arsenal. But what can you do to protect yourself without affecting any potential sales?
When it comes to taking photos, ask your estate agent to avoid pictures that would give too much away or could tempt thieves.
Avoid shots which reveal anything worth stealing, the location of your security alarm and sensors, or the inside of your garage.
While it may sound obvious, don't photograph anything that might give away personal information – for instance, a family calendar in the kitchen or school photos of your children.
If in any doubt, approve the photos that the agent uses before they get posted on the portal.