Homeowners Find Hidden Camera Installed On Their Scarsdale Property

SCARSDALE, NY — Officials in Scarsdale are alerting the community about a homeowner's disturbing find and are promising vigilance.

On Sunday, a resident of Bradford Road discovered a hidden surveillance camera on their property. The Scarsdale Police Department was notified and is investigating in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, according to an urgent public safety message released by Mayor Justin Arest, Police Chief Andrew Matturro, and Acting Village Manager Alexandra Marshall this week.

No one was harmed and there was no indication of a burglary, officials said. The surrounding area was searched by authorities, and no other surveillance devices were found.

Officials said the use of cameras has become a popular tactic by thieves nationwide to monitor opportunities for burglarizing homes.

In California, the high-tech tactic has been deployed by organized thieves, often burglary rings traveling from Chile or Colombia in what police there are calling "burglary tourism." Cameras, disguised to blend in with vegetation, enable the thieves to stake out multiple homes remotely to determine when residents come and go, police officials said.

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As a precaution, Scarsdale police said they have increased patrols.

"We understand that this situation can feel unsettling, and we want to equip residents with important information," Scarsdale public safety officials told the community. "The best offense against theft is a strong defense."

The Scarsdale Police Department offered tips to help keep burglars at bay.

• Keep all exterior doors at your residence locked, using deadbolt locks. Also, keep your garage door closed and locked, including your interior access door, and lock all windows, including second floor ones.
• Lock your vehicle doors and remove your keys and key fobs from inside your vehicle.
• Secure your garage door opener in a locked glovebox, as thieves may use it to enter your home to retrieve your vehicle key or steal other valuables.
• Always turn your alarm system on when you are away. It is also recommended to have your alarm system in the "stay" or "home" mode when you are home, especially while you are sleeping.
• Use motion-sensing exterior lighting and keep the perimeter of your home well-lit.
• Never leave your house key under doormats or in "hiding" places outside of your home.
• Consider the use of a video surveillance system to protect your property.

Police also strongly encouraged all residents to sign up for Everbridge for emergency calls, texts, emails, and notifications through the Everbridge app.

Anyone who comes across an unidentified camera or observes any suspicious activity on their property, is asked to immediately contact the Scarsdale Police Department at 914-722-1200, or 911 in the event of an emergency.