Thankfully, there's a way to protect yourself: blur your home on Google Street View to prevent thieves from analyzing your property. This precaution gained major attention when ABC7 reported a surge in Southern California homeowners blurring their residences on Street View to mitigate the risk.

Street View in Google Maps is being used by organized thieves. Here's how you can blur out images of your home, car, or face.

Google Maps has become a household tool, helping people navigate the world. But for thieves, it’s become more than just a map. Experts warn that the app, particularly its Street View feature, is now being used by criminals to plan break-ins.

Linskey said organized criminals are analyzing properties using Google Street View to scout potential targets, analyzing the value and layout of homes, how to get in and out and if there’s a visible front-door camera or exterior surveillance system.

Linskey said organized criminals are analyzing properties using Google Street View to scout potential targets, analyzing the value and layout of homes, how to get in and out and if there’s a visible front-door camera or exterior surveillance system.