According to Glendale, California, police and burglars have begun employing a new technique to disable home security cameras: Disrupting the feeds with Wi-Fi jammers. 

Speaking with KTLA, Glendale Police Department Sgt. Victor Jackson stated that burglary detectives have found evidence that this trend has developed over the past few months. There's no reason to believe burglars elsewhere won't apply this technique (if they're not already). 

The penalties may be severe when they're caught. For instance, burglary is a felony in Pennsylvania. If you're facing charges, you need legal assistance to protect your rights.  

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is prepared to get to work on your Pennsylvania burglary defense case. Learn more by contacting us online today or calling us at 888.535.3686. 

How Burglars May Use Wi-Fi Jammers to Avoid Detection 

Popular home security cameras like Ring can alert a homeowner when someone approaches their door. However, these devices rely on Wi-Fi to function as intended. 

Wi-Fi jammers may disrupt the signals connecting Wi-Fi cameras with their video feeds. Burglars can theoretically enter homes undetected when disrupting signals in this way.  

The disruption can prevent Ring (or a similar camera system) from alerting homeowners to the presence of burglars or trespassers. It also prevents a system from alerting the alarm company or law enforcement. 

Virtually any potential burglar could easily purchase a Wi-Fi jammer over the internet. According to Glendale's Sgt. Jackson, using a Wi-Fi jammer to disable a home security camera is becoming a widespread problem throughout Southern California. The availability of Wi-Fi jammers suggests this trend can develop anywhere in the country. 

Burglary Charges Can Lead to Serious Consequences 

Learning they could use Wi-Fi jammers to potentially break into homes protected by security cameras and systems might embolden some potential burglars. They may target homes they otherwise wouldn't have targeted, believing they can now avoid detection. 

The consequences when they're caught may include hefty fines and jail time. Consider the following common penalties for burglary in Pennsylvania: 

• A burglary is a felony of the second degree in Pennsylvania when someone burglarizes a building or structure that's not adapted for overnight accommodations (meaning it's not a residence or similar type of property) and no one was present in the building at the time they broke in. Someone convicted of this type of burglary may face up to 10 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. 
• A burglary is a felony of the first degree in all other instances in Pennsylvania. Penalties may include up to $25,000 in fines and 20 years in prison. 

Defenses to Burglary Charges 

There are many potential defenses to a charge of burglary in Pennsylvania. For example, the law states a person may not be convicted of burglary if they can show they had a right to enter the building or structure in question. 

That's just one example of a defense someone facing burglary charges might consider. If you're facing charges, speak with an attorney soon to get to work on your defense. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team will tailor our defense strategy to your specific needs. Get started today by calling us at 888.535.3686 or completing the online contact form.