New precaution against thieves: Delete your house from Google Maps!

People are trying everything to keep their homes safe, from advanced locks to security cameras, but according to one expert, a simple detail that homeowners forget could be putting their homes at risk.

According to the expert, blurring your home on Google Maps is crucial to making it safe.

COULD PREVENT ROBBERY Some burglars may be using the app to learn entry routes, security measures and valuables. This simple digital precaution could help deter potential robberies. Officer Ryan Railsback of the Riverside Police Department in Southern California says he knows some homeowners have already taken this protective step, and he recommends others do the same. "Criminals are looking for new and creative ways to victimize people. It's good for the public to be aware of this and to take precautions against these criminals' methods," Railsback told ABC News.

HOW TO DE-SMOKE YOUR HOME?

According to Google , anyone can request that their home be blurred in Google Street View. Google’s website explains: “Google Street View vehicles capture images from public roads, and your home may be included in these images. If an image contains objectionable content or you do not want your home to be visible, you can request that it be blurred. Once your home is blurred, it is permanent. Only the homeowner or tenant can request this.” To blur your home on a computer or smartphone, first find your home in Google Maps.

Open the Street View image you want to blur and click "Report a problem" in the bottom right corner. Fill out the form and submit.

New precaution against thieves: Delete your house from Google Maps! - 1

(Google Street View)

GOOGLE WILL GET BACK TO YOU

After this request, Google will notify you, “We will review your report as soon as possible.” If you provided your email address in the form, Google may contact you to ask for more information or update you on the status of your request.

According to experts, this simple digital measure can deter potential thieves, who will often want to do some preliminary reconnaissance.

"WHAT DOES HE HAVE TO HIDE?"

Criminals who try to get a view of a home online analyze the potential for stolen valuables or security measures they may encounter. This includes examining the layout of the home, entry points, and security cameras if available.

But there are experts who say this move could backfire. If you're the only house on the street that's not in the clear, it could make burglars wonder, "What's he got to hide?"