Hidden Camera Near Eugene Home Shows How Crime Rings Pick Their Targets

Police in Eugene recently found a sneaky hidden camera near a family’s home, wrapped in fake grass and duct tape. It was likely used by a group of thieves who have been targeting Asian American households across Oregon and nearby states since 2023. Instead of breaking in right away, these criminals prefer to watch homes first, often disguising themselves as delivery workers or construction crews to avoid drawing attention. The investigation reveals these burglars don’t focus on a specific neighborhood—they pick homes where they think valuables are easy to grab. In some cases, they’ve even stolen entire safes. Police say the thieves often strike when families are at work, checking homes during daytime hours when people are less likely to notice strangers lurking around. The hidden camera setup was found in a neighborhood near a bridge, hidden in plain sight among bushes.Experts suggest that keeping large amounts of cash or valuables at home is risky. If you must store expensive items, using a bank’s safety deposit box or a securely mounted safe is smarter. Simple security steps—like locking doors, setting timers on lights, and asking neighbors to keep an eye on your place—can make a big difference. Thieves often look for easy targets, so making your home seem occupied even when you’re away can deter them.