A Reddit user issued a warning after his home was broken into several times — a problem that only ended once he blurred his house’s façade on Google Maps.
+ Viral Video Shows Florida Surfer Hit in the Head by Flying Shark
The user explained that he decided to apply a blur to his house on Street View after being the victim of “a series of break-ins” at the farm where he lives.
While Google automatically blurs faces and license plates, Street View can still reveal more than it should when it comes to private properties. Fortunately, you can request that your home be blurred on the platform.
This tactic is commonly used by public figures and celebrities who want to avoid unwanted visitors, but anyone can ask Google to apply a blur filter to the front of their home.
To do this, simply enter your address in Google Maps and click on “Report a problem.” Google will then ask you why you’re reporting the image.
Next, you can select the option to “request blur” for “your home.” Then, select the full area of your home’s façade that you want censored, including the sidewalk or any other relevant details.
Finally, enter your email address and you’re done! Your house will now appear blurred to anyone who tries to find it on Google Maps.
Ryan Railsback, an officer with the Riverside Police Department in Southern California, explained that blurring your house on Google Maps can be effective against criminals who may use the tool to look for valuable items or spot weaknesses in a property’s security.
“Criminals are constantly finding new and innovative ways to victimize people. It’s good for the public to be aware of this and take action against what they’re already doing,” he told ABC News.
Photo and video: Google Maps. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
