Lakewood neighborhood on edge after hidden cameras found in bushes
LAKEWOOD, Calif. (KABC) -- A Lakewood neighborhood is on edge after hidden cameras were found tucked into bushes outside of a home.
The hidden devices were found in a gated community with visible cameras at the entrance and neighborhood watch signs.
A resident who reached out to Eyewitness News says her gardener found a camera this week, pointed toward her neighbor's house.
Her brother then found more battery-powered camera devices that were covered in fake green plants to camouflage with the bushes.
It's still not clear why the cameras were planted or who put them there.
"A camera was placed really high up, to go and look over the cars. It's pointed directly towards the neighbors door," said Brianna Cacheo. "... It was monitoring the neighbor's comings and goings. It was pointed specifically at their house."
The homeowner said they're shaken up about their neighborhood potentially being a target for criminal activity.
"Everybody needs to look around. Be more vigilant, be more cautious. You can't just think you live in a gated community, nothing is going to happen."
Similar incidents have been reported in other Southern California neighborhoods.
In August, Palos Verdes police responded to reports of multiple hidden cameras found in bushes. Police said those cameras have been tied to South American theft groups.
In July, police in Torrance were investigating at least four hidden cameras covered in fake grass.
Other cities such as Chino Hills, San Marino and West Covina have also seen similar incidents.
