Public Safety Alert: Hidden Cameras Used to Case Homes 

December 31, 2025 – Placer County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on December 19, while following up on information from a recent investigation, a Placer County Sheriff’s Office detective checked a residence in North Auburn and discovered a well-hidden surveillance camera. The camera was disguised with fake leaves to blend into nearby bushes and powered by an external battery pack, allowing it to remain in place for extended periods of time. Detectives are reviewing the device to determine what footage may have been captured and whether it is connected to other incidents.

Because detectives identified this device before a crime occurred, this proactive work may have prevented another resident from becoming a victim.

This discovery is significant because it marks the first known case of this type of surveillance equipment being located in Placer County.

Over the past several years, Placer County has seen several high-dollar residential burglaries, often resulting in five- and six-figure losses, particularly in communities such as Granite Bay, Loomis, and Roseville. Many of these crimes are believed to be linked to South American Theft Groups (SATG), loosely affiliated criminal networks whose members originate from South American countries.

SATG-affiliated suspects are known to conduct extensive pre-crime surveillance, including:

• In-person surveillance and online research
• Signal jammers to disrupt electronic communications
• Fake identities and stolen vehicles
• Hidden cameras placed in yards or landscaping to monitor daily routines

While this surveillance method has been documented in other jurisdictions, it had not previously been identified locally until now.

What you can do:

If you notice unfamiliar objects in bushes, landscaping, or near your home that appear out of place; especially items that resemble cameras or electronic devices, do not touch them. Report suspicious activity or devices to local law enforcement immediately.

Your awareness is a critical part of preventing these crimes.

Source & photos: Placer County Sheriff’s Office