Phone Found Buried in Queens Yard Linked to Surveillance and Burglary Trend

Discovery of a Hidden Phone

• 📱 A resident in Forest Hills, Queens, discovered a phone covered in black tape with its camera lenses exposed, buried in her front yard.
• 🚨 The device, an Android phone connected to a charger, was found by Mary Kho outside her home of 35 years.
• 👮 Police were called and took possession of the phone, confirming it was buried in the lawn.

National Surveillance Trend

• 🗺️ This incident is part of a concerning trend observed across the country, including in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Scarsdale.
• 🕵️ Police believe these hidden devices are used for illegal surveillance, tracking neighbors' patterns to identify opportunities for burglaries.
• 🏠 The phones are often hidden in lawns to monitor activity and await chances to break into homes.

Community Awareness and Warning

• 🏘️ The resident and her neighbors are urging homeowners to be vigilant and watch for any unfamiliar hidden devices on their properties.
• 🔒 They emphasize the importance of security measures like setting alarms and turning on lights, especially when neighbors are away.
• 🗣️ A strong message was sent to potential perpetrators: "If you're watching this neighborhood, it's watching you, too."

Ongoing Investigation

• 🔍 The NYPD has stated that the investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.
• 📞 Authorities encourage anyone who believes they are in a similar situation to contact their local precinct or call 911.