Authorities in Los Angeles have disclosed that a group of thieves has been outwitting smart devices throughout the area.

In a statement dated March 4, the Los Angeles Police Department warned about a group in Wilshire employing Wi-Fi jamming technology to incapacitate surveillance cameras and alarm systems that are Wi-Fi-reliant.

The proliferation of tech-savvy robberies in California is part of a broader trend of sophisticated criminal activities occurring nationwide. In the previous year, law enforcement agencies in Minnesota and Connecticut issued similar warnings to residents about groups of thieves adept at Wi-Fi jamming. These are just two examples among many others.

According to KARE11, criminals can acquire Wi-Fi signal jammers jamming devices at a cheap price, despite their ban by the Federal Communications Commission. These devices do not necessarily render other devices inactive; instead, they function by overwhelming the network to which they are connected.

These devices, as described by cybersecurity expert Mark Lanterman, are meant to interfere with radio transmitters and cause traffic congestion that obstructs real communication.

He proposed that if you plan on using a Wi-Fi camera for your front door, it might be worth considering the utilization of a hardline camera inside your home. Wired cameras connected through Ethernet cables do not rely on Wi-Fi networks and are not susceptible to disruptions caused by a wifi jammer.

The Los Angeles police suggests the installation of hard wired burglary alarm systems.

Tom’s Hardware suggests that smart technology could be a factor in the issue as well as the solution. Officials recommend the use of timers or smart home devices to make it appear as though someone is present at home when you are not. Moreover, certain smart home technology is designed to notify users in case of signal or connection interruptions.

Additionally, it is recommended by Tom's Hardware to connect surveillance devices directly to your device for storing camera footage, rather than solely relying on a cloud storage system. This ensures that the footage will be saved and accessible even if there is a Wi-Fi disruption.

To enhance safety, the LAPD recommends that individuals lock their doors, rely on neighbors for assistance in monitoring their homes when away, and report any suspicious activity, such as the presence of vehicles with temporary or dealer plates.

Wilshire Park is located in Central Los Angeles.