I saw the closed thread about terrorists using Google to plan their attacks. It got me to thinking about a more personal tactics issue.
We talk often about securing our homes with fence, gates, barriers, sturdy doors. But are we also thinking of what intelligence a thief or robber might glean from Google Earth scanning of our neighborhood?
I'm not sure if there is a risk, but I suppose a perp could maybe target homes based on some aerial observations: outbuildings (hiding in, or easier to break in unnoticed), bushes that might conceal an approach and getaway, proximity to neighbors, orientation of house and neighbors. Or indications of affluence.
Rather than drive around to scope out easier targets, a thief could work from his home or library and pick the optimal neigborhood, block and houses to target.
My question to the group:
1) What aerial observable characteristics of a property would make your area or house a better than average target?
2) What could you do to deter being targeted?
(How about writing in white stones across your lawn: "Combat Range In Use")
We talk often about securing our homes with fence, gates, barriers, sturdy doors. But are we also thinking of what intelligence a thief or robber might glean from Google Earth scanning of our neighborhood?
I'm not sure if there is a risk, but I suppose a perp could maybe target homes based on some aerial observations: outbuildings (hiding in, or easier to break in unnoticed), bushes that might conceal an approach and getaway, proximity to neighbors, orientation of house and neighbors. Or indications of affluence.
Rather than drive around to scope out easier targets, a thief could work from his home or library and pick the optimal neigborhood, block and houses to target.
My question to the group:
1) What aerial observable characteristics of a property would make your area or house a better than average target?
2) What could you do to deter being targeted?
(How about writing in white stones across your lawn: "Combat Range In Use")