Authorities in Alhambra, Southern California, are urging residents to remain vigilant after an unsettling discovery of a hidden camera earlier this week. Responding to a call regarding an attempted burglary on Primrose Avenue, Alhambra police found that a neighbor had uncovered a hidden camera concealed in bushes and pointed towards a nearby home.

Sharing the incident on social media, the police department accompanied their post with a photo of the camera, revealing that it had been camouflaged with a green shell and surrounded by leaves. The homeowners' alarm company had also alerted them to an attempted break-in through a kitchen window earlier that day.

Hidden cameras are seemingly becoming increasingly popular among thieves, as similar incidents have been reported. In May, Glendale Police apprehended four Colombian nationals who were involved in a "burglary tourism" operation, which employed the use of hidden cameras disguised as everyday objects. A few days later, another hidden camera was discovered, this time in bushes and directed towards a residence in Garden Grove.

In response to these unsettling developments, the Alhambra Police Department shared tips to help residents prevent becoming victims. These measures include refraining from leaving hidden keys at home, promptly reporting suspicious vehicles by noting down license plate numbers, ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked when leaving even momentarily, maintaining proper outdoor lighting around the front porch and exterior areas, keeping trees and bushes well-trimmed to eliminate potential hiding spots for criminals, installing home security cameras, and frequently monitoring their surveillance systems. Furthermore, if any signs of a break-in, such as a broken window or an open door, are observed, residents should refrain from entering their homes and immediately contact the authorities.

The discovery of the hidden camera in Alhambra serves as a reminder that maintaining security measures and remaining vigilant are crucial in protecting one's home and personal privacy. Law enforcement agencies are continuously working to apprehend those responsible for such intrusive activities and are encouraging residents to take preventative measures to ensure their safety.