EDINA, Minn. — Edina police believe a string of nine robberies in the last six months are related, and residents say they were told the burglars are possibly using tools to temporarily disable security systems.
In a release last week, Edina Police reported the burglary suspects aren't choosing targets at random, but instead are watching homes in affluent neighborhoods before entering and stealing safes, jewelry and other high-end designer items. They also say it appears the burglars are not violent, choosing homes that are unoccupied to avoid confrontations.
While the City held a safety meeting on Jan. 31, a home near the Edina Country Club was broken into while a homeowner was there. The police report states they heard glass break and screamed. Nothing was reported stolen and no one was hurt. At that safety meeting, residents say they were warned about the burglars using WiFi jammers that impact security systems, especially surveillance cameras.
"Even criminals use technology," cyber security expert Mark Lanterman said.
Lanterman says the WiFi jammers have been around for as long as WiFi.
"These devices create traffic jams for the radio transmitter so that real traffic cannot get through," Lanterman said.
The jammers can be bought online from suppliers outside of the United States and range from $40 to $1,000. The Federal Communications Commission bans the use of them in the United States.
"If you are going to use a WiFi camera for your front door, perhaps consider using a hardline camera inside your home," Lanterman advises.
Edina police are providing extra patrols in neighborhoods that have been targeted, but advise residents to take these additional measures.
- Install security alarms in your home and always set them when leaving your home.
- If possible, have your alarm monitoring company contact police immediately and not attempt to contact you first.
- Install security cameras and lights outside of your home, and keep them on at night.
- Install security cameras that can be monitored by you through your cell phone.
- Make sure all doors and windows are locked when leaving your home.
- Leave on a few lights in your home to make it look like someone is home when you are not.
- Call 952-826-1610 to notify Edina dispatch when you are leaving your home for an extended period of time. Officers will check in on your property periodically for any suspicious activity. Also, let your neighbors know that you will be gone.
- Register your cameras with Edina’s SafeCam program. In the event a crime has occurred in your neighborhood, Edina Police will have your contact information for you to check your cameras for any useful footage. Register at the Edina police website.
- If you see something, say something. All suspicious activity should be reported by calling 911.
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