Posted on 06/26/2025 5:55:01 AM PDT by where's_the_Outrage?
A Queens woman found what looked like a phone buried in her front lawn — but it wasn’t just lost property.
Mary Kehoe, who’s lived in her Forest Hills home for 35 years, spotted the strange device outside. It looked like an Android phone wrapped in black tape, with only the camera exposed — like it was made to watch, not call.
“Why us? I had lots of things going through my head as to why they chose our lawn but realized we are in the middle of the block,” Kehoe told KTVZ 21.
Experts warn that these kinds of planted devices may be part of a growing tactic used by burglars to spy on homeowners, tracking their daily routines or scouting for valuables. And it’s not just an isolated case — similar incidents have popped up across the Tri-State Area.
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.”
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
I didn’t go to the msn link, but does the article ever cite a real crime perpetrated using the “phone surveillance” concept?
You would be amazed at how well a talented and experienced door to door salesman can read houses from the street.
My take these days you don’t open the door anybody you don’t know or a company vehicle that you aren’t expecting.
Its crazy how far out of touch wealthy east coast urbanites can be.
Phone stuck in the lawn
= = =
Maybe my dog would poop on it.
OH, that is anti Muslim.
So would a talented and experienced door to door salesman come to mine? My home has lots of curb appeal, but as soon as you hit the walkway, there’s a sign greeting you.
So far, since I’ve put up the third sign, I haven’t had any solicitors.
Funny thing, too, our lawn fertilizer guy said he almost didn’t knock on the door when he had a question for us. He was new and wanted to go over where the treatments go. We don’t allow them to ride in our backyard. They have to walk it to apply the treatment.
I don’t, but my husband is a sucker for kids selling books or magazines. He used to deliver newspapers when he was a kid, so he thinks we’re just supposed to be nice to everyone. I don’t mind being nice, but I do mind solicitors.
Believe or not it was taught that no soliciting signs were an indicator of someone with weak resistance, in other words, ignore them.
The reality is that I am doubtful that what we see today in door to door sales is anything like the glory days of super salesmen and tons of money in it with all pure commission.
I detest those kid crews with their fake stories selling magazines, always have.
Experts warn that these kinds of planted devices may be part of a growing tactic used by burglars to spy on homeowners.
Unmarked police van parked in front on house shots fired arrests made.
I’m not weak, but I have no patience for them. They waste my time and theirs.
My husband, on the other hand, is much too polite with salesman, though he hates the Jehovah’s Witnesses that show up from time to time. Dead giveaway is that they seem to travel in pairs.
My most recent sign starts with DOOR KNOCKERS in bold lettering at the top. I figure if the kids can even read, they don’t know what “soliciting” means, so that sign has been most helpful.
If I have to do another sign, it might say, “Get off my lawn!” with a pic of Clint Eastwood and a rifle.
You bet. They’re all fake sob stories.
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