Google Earth used to find and steal Koi

Satellite imagery used by thieves to locate fish ponds


29 June 2009 11:07 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

First it was pools to party in, now it's ponds with fish to steal, as another aquatically-themed nefarious use of Google Earth has been revealed.

It appears that fish thieves are using Google Earth's satellite imagery to find fish ponds that look as if they will contain Koi carp, a particularly valuable kind of goldfish, to steal.

The Telegraph reports that 12 thefts of the exotic fish and pond equipment, worth hundreds of pounds, have been reported over in Hull over a 3-week period.

Humberside Police Community Support Officer Sam Gregory says "Google shows what is in your garden and you can see people's ponds. One of the properties targeted has an eight foot fence and is set back from the road. The pond is in the corner and can't be seen".

A spokesperson for Google "Google Earth creates no appreciable increase in security risks, given the wide commercial availability of high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery of every country in the world".

"Criminals could use maps, phones and getaway cars but no one would argue that these technologies are responsible for the crime itself, that responsibility lies with the perpetrator".
Related

Via: telegraph.co.uk

Full tags
Software, Google, Websites, Google Earth, GPS software, Car And GPS

share print story pdf email story

Recommended articles


Search

Loading

Follow


Best iPad 2 apps

We detail the best iPad 2 and iPad apps in the app store Which iPad app should you download?

Windows 8

All the features and details of the new Microsoft operating system explained What's new in Windows 8?

iPad 3 rumours

What comes next? We look at the possible features, leaks, images, specs and more

Pocket-lint poll

Q. Will you be buying a PS Vita?

Vote YES Vote NO

» LAST TIME
When asked Will Samsung be making a mistake if the Galaxy S III isn't shown at Mobile World Congress in February? 51% said yes and 49% said no