We spend thousands on smart locks, camera systems, and alarms, but there's one free, digital safety move most Illinois homeowners never think about. And it might just make you less of a target for burglars before they ever step foot on your block.

Wait… You Can Blur Your House on Google Maps?

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Yep. On Google Street View, you can request a permanent blur of your house, making it harder for people to virtually “case” your place before a break-in. Police and security experts say that public images of your home might reveal more than you think: entry points, camera locations, cars, and even signs of when you're usually away.

READ MORE: Only One Illinois City Ranked High on 2025’s Safest Cities List

I’m Torn—Here’s Why

I’ve been burglarized before. In broad daylight. I’m convinced someone watched my patterns when I came and went, before deciding to break in. That said, I don’t think blurring my home online would’ve saved me. But I do think it might make someone pause before choosing my house over one with fewer unknowns.

Want to Blur Your Home? Here’s How

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Go to Google Maps, find your house, and drop into Street View. Click “Report a problem” in the bottom right, and fill out the form to request a blur over your home, car, or face. Once Google blurs it, it’s permanent, so be sure. NYPost.com has more.

Would you ever blur your house? Or would that just make your place look like the only one hiding something? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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