Experts Say NJ Homeowners Should Do This on Google Now to Deter Crime

It’s no secret that just about everything about your life is online these days. From social media posts to your front yard, it’s all out there for anyone to peek at. One spot that people don’t always think about is Google Maps. If you’ve ever plugged in your address on Street View, you’ve probably seen a super clear shot of your house, car, maybe even your kids’ bikes in the driveway. It's weird when you stop and think about it.

For a growing number of folks in New Jersey, that’s reason enough to start taking some extra steps to protect their privacy. Local experts are starting to speak up too. They say having your home displayed so openly might make it easier for the wrong people to get ideas. Sure, most crooks still drive around neighborhoods to scope things out, but having everything right there online makes it even easier.

Does Blurring Your House On Google Maps Really Keep Your Home Safer?

According to ABC News, some security pros believe it does help. They figure that if someone is hunting around online and sees a house that’s crystal clear, they might feel more confident planning a break-in. On the flip side, if all they see is a blurry blob, it’s way less inviting. Even if it only makes a tiny difference, plenty of homeowners feel it’s worth doing for a little extra peace of mind.

Of course, other experts say it might not change much. After all, if someone’s determined, they’ll probably just drive by. But for many New Jersey families, it’s really about having a say in what strangers can see. Why make it easier for anyone to virtually stroll past your property without even leaving their couch?

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How Do You Blur Your Home On Google Maps?

More New Jersey residents are taking a minute to make sure their homes aren’t an open book on the internet. It’s actually pretty easy to handle. If you check out your place on Google Maps and decide you’d rather not have it so out there, you can ask Google to blur it. All you need to do is use the “Report a problem” feature on Street View and follow the prompts. Once it’s done, it stays blurred forever.

Start by finding your home on Google Maps. Next, click the three dots highlighted below and select "Report a problem." The rest is simple.

Sometimes it’s the little moves like this that help you feel more secure in your own space.