‘Why us?’: This NYC homeowner found a phone wrapped in duct tape buried in her lawn — and police say it’s part of a new tactic burglars are using to spy on potential victims

Not just paranoia

Discovering a hidden device on your lawn isn’t just unsettling — it’s a serious breach of privacy. And unfortunately, it’s happening more often.

Police say covert surveillance cases like this are turning up across the country, including in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and even quiet neighborhoods like Scarsdale. And the tools being used aren’t high-tech spy gadgets.

“It could be any type of camera that is digital and wireless. It could be cheap; it could be expensive,” Sergeant Vahe Abramyan of the Glendale Police Department told the Los Angeles Times. “You can go on Amazon or go to Best Buy to get one.”

That’s exactly what happened in Garden Grove, where a resident discovered a camera hidden in a neighbor’s bush — aimed directly at her home. According to KTLA, the neighbor initially thought it was trash, but inside the bag was a camera and battery pack.

Dave Ramsey’s plan has people crushing debt fast

Drowning in debt? Dave Ramsey’s viral 7-step method is helping people wipe it out and finally build real savings. No gimmicks—just a clear plan that works. Moneywise breaks it down so you can get started in minutes. If you’re serious about getting ahead, don’t miss this.

See the steps

Staying safe

With these surveillance tactics on the rise, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your neighborhood.

“Put your alarms on, put lights on, and be aware. And we’re a nice little block here that we look out for one another, so when people do go away, they let us know so we can take a walk down their driveway and make sure everything is safe,” Kehoe said.“We are now watching.”

In Kehoe’s Forest Hills community, neighbors are banding together — keeping a closer eye on their lawns, shrubs and anything that seems out of place.

Police recommend trimming hedges to eliminate hiding spots, installing motion-detecting lights and staying alert for camouflaged devices that could be stashed in your yard. Burglars may also drive through a neighborhood or pose as salespeople to scout homes and monitor routines.

If something seems off — even a strange light or an out-of-place item in your yard — don’t ignore it. Report it to your local authorities right away.