LAPD Warns of Burglars Jamming Security Systems—How to Stay Safe

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The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has issued a warning to homeowners about a concerning trend: tech-savvy burglars exploiting vulnerabilities in home security systems. Burglars are using jamming devices to disrupt signals and gain entry into homes undetected.

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Watch a jammer in action

This isn't the first time we've heard about jamming devices being used against a security system. Watch our expert Katie McEntire test one on a SimpliSafe security system.

In a recent incident reported by the LAPD's Wilshire Division, burglars equipped with a jamming device successfully broke into a home through a second-story balcony, making off with valuable items such as jewelry, purses, and cash. This modus operandi highlights the growing sophistication of burglars and the need for homeowners to take proactive measures to protect their properties.

How to safeguard your security system against jammers

1. Shift from wireless to wired:
Connect your security system to your router via cables. Hardwiring eliminates reliance on Wi-Fi signals—no signal, nothing to jam.

2. Track your goods:
Tracking devices like Tile or Apple AirTags can be used to track valuable items. Trackers make it easy to track items using your smartphone in case of theft.

3. Secure circuit breakers:
Install padlocks on electrical circuit boxes to prevent tampering and interference with the alarm system.

4. Reinforce entry points:
Strengthen sliding doors with metal bars and install motion sensor lighting to deter burglars.

5. Keep things private:
Avoid sharing vacation plans with strangers, including ride-hailing drivers, and refrain from announcing plans on social media to prevent potential targeting by burglars.

6. Foster community vigilance:
Stay vigilant for suspicious vehicles with temporary or dealer license plates and collaborate with neighbors to monitor the neighborhood and share information.

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Disclaimer: Portions of this article were assisted by automation technology. All content therein has been augmented, thoroughly edited, and fact-checked by our in-house editorial staff of human safety experts.

Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past decade. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime and safety reports and spotting trends. Her expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like NPR, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of podcast, radio and TV clips in the US and abroad.

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