Full Notification

The following is a synopsis of crimes reported for the week of October 26, 2025 – November 1, 2025.        
 
October 26, 2025

• Grand Theft Auto:

1300 Highland Avenue – On October 26, 2025 at 9:35 PM, the suspect stole the victim’s parked brown 2018 Honda Civic. No surveillance video is available. No arrest made. Temple DB to follow-up.
 
October 27, 2025

• Domestic Violence:

500 Block of Greenbank Avenue – On October 27, 2025 at 11 PM, the suspect assaulted the victim, causing injury during an argument. Arrest made. Temple DB to follow-up.
 
October 28, 2025

• No significant activity.

 
October 29, 2025

• Attempted Vehicle Burglary:

Crestfield Avenue / Maynard Avenue – On October 29, 2025 at 6:45 PM, the suspect attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle and then fled from the location. Surveillance video is available. No arrest made. Temple DB to follow-up.
 
October 30, 2025

• Grand Theft (Tools):

1400 Block of Three Ranch Road – On October 30, 2025 at 1:40 AM, the suspects cut the chain that secured the victim’s tools in the bed of his truck and stole miscellaneous tools. Surveillance video is available. No arrest made. Temple DB to follow-up.
 
October 31, 2025

• No significant activity.

 
November 1, 2025

• No significant activity.

  Have you checked your bushes lately? Don’t be a victim of hidden cameras!

The “Invasion of Privacy” crime can often supersede a home burglary and involves the use of hidden cameras. Criminals installing concealed cameras in bushes to monitor residences before committing burglaries is a well-documented and escalating crime. Burglars utilize these cameras to collect information about the daily habits of residents without the need for physical presence.

HOW THIS SURVEILLANCE WORKS

• Camouflaged devices: The cameras are often small, battery-powered devices wrapped in camouflage tape, fake leaves, or other materials to blend in with foliage and landscaping.
• Gathering intelligence: The hidden cameras are used to record homeowner patterns, such as when residents leave for work or school, when they return, and if they have a home security system.
• Organized crime: Law enforcement officials report that the tactic is often used by organized theft rings, including international groups that travel to the U.S. specifically to commit burglaries.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A CONCEALED CAMERA

• Conduct a thorough inspection of your property: Regularly examine your bushes, shrubs, planters, and other outdoor landscaping for anything that appears out of the ordinary. This method has led many homeowners to discover the devices.
• Use a flashlight: Concealed camera lenses will reflect light uniquely. During dusk or in a dimly lit room, slowly shine a flashlight across suspicious areas. A camera lens will create a distinctive reflection or glint.
• Use a smartphone camera to identify infrared (IR) light: Many hidden cameras employ IR LEDs for night vision. In a dark environment, use your phone’s camera to survey the area. The camera on your phone may detect a small white or purple glowing dot that is not visible to the naked eye.
• Utilize a network scanner: Certain cameras transmit footage via Wi-Fi. Applications like Fing can scan for unrecognized devices on your home network.

PREVENTION AND PROTECTIVE STRATEGIES

• Install and monitor your own security cameras: The presence of visible cameras can discourage criminals from installing their own. Regularly review your footage for any suspicious activity.
• Enhance exterior lighting: Install motion-activated lighting, particularly around entry points and dark corners. Burglars tend to prefer operating under the cover of darkness.
• Maintain your landscaping: Trim back overgrown bushes and shrubs that could serve as hiding spots for criminals or their cameras.
• Implement strong Wi-Fi security: Use a robust password and secure your home’s Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized access by burglars attempting to connect to a camera.
• Remain vigilant for other signs of casing: Be on the lookout for additional indicators that criminals may be surveying your property, such as unusual markings, unfamiliar vehicles, or flyers left on your door for an extended duration.

As ALWAYS, if you see something, say something!