According to authorities, a gang of thieves has been outmaneuvering sophisticated devices in various locations across Los Angeles.
On March 4, the Los Angeles Police Department released a statement alerting the public to a group in Wilshire employing Wi-Fi jamming technology to neutralize surveillance cameras and alarm systems that are Wi-Fi-enabled.
The current wave of tech-savvy robberies in California is indicative of a larger-scale "smart" crime wave that is sweeping the nation. Similar alerts were issued by the police in Minnesota and Connecticut last year, warning residents about groups of thieves proficient in Wi-Fi jamming techniques. These incidents serve as just a glimpse into the multitude of similar cases.
According to KARE11, criminals can readily purchase Wi-Fi signal jammers jamming devices at a low cost, despite the Federal Communications Commission's ban on them. These devices do not directly disable other devices but rather overload the network they are connected to.
According to cybersecurity expert Mark Lanterman, these devices are designed to disrupt radio transmitters, causing traffic jams that prevent legitimate communication.
According to his advice, if you intend to employ a Wi-Fi camera for your front door, it might be worth considering the use of a hardline camera inside your home. Wired cameras that are connected via Ethernet cables do not rely on Wi-Fi networks and are immune to disruptions caused by a wifi jammer.
The Los Angeles police highly advises the use of hard wired burglary alarm systems.
According to Tom’s Hardware, smart technology may play a role in both the problem and the solution. Officials suggest the use of timers or smart home devices to give the appearance of someone being at home while you are away. Additionally, some smart home technology can alert users of any interruptions in the signal or connection.
Tom's Hardware suggests connecting surveillance devices to your device for storing camera footage, rather than solely relying on a cloud storage system. By doing so, you can ensure that even during a Wi-Fi disruption, the footage will be saved and accessible.
Individuals are urged by the LAPD to stay cautious by locking their doors, asking neighbors to keep an eye on their surroundings while they are away, and informing law enforcement about any suspicious activity, particularly concerning vehicles with temporary or dealer plates.
Wilshire Park is located in Central Los Angeles.