Laura Hobson, Co-Founder & COO, YoursGlobal · · 4 min read
A security sweep is verification: a systematic check of your personal spaces and belongings for trackers, cameras, unauthorized access, and tampering. It takes about 30 minutes.
Start with a phone, flashlight, paper, and pen. A Bluetooth scanner, camera detector, small mirror, door sensor, door alarm, and door wedge can add useful layers. Start with what you have.
Walk around the car. Check bumpers, wheel wells, hood seams, handles, locks, roof racks, and anything taped or attached. Photograph anything unfamiliar.
Use a flashlight or phone video to inspect the undercarriage, fuel tank, and exhaust. A garage mirror can help if you cannot get low safely.
Check door pockets, panel seams, seats, cup holders, console, visor, glove compartment, and the back seat. Review nearby Bluetooth devices and note anything unknown.
If you find nothing, record the date and repeat next month. If you find something suspicious, photograph it, do not drive, and contact law enforcement.
Inspect the entrance, door frame, locks, electronic reader, windows, and security cameras. Pay special attention to bathrooms, smoke detectors, chargers, mirrors, picture frames, vents, light fixtures, and any object facing a private area.
Check bedrooms and living areas for moved or unfamiliar objects. Review your Wi-Fi connected-device list and change the password if an unknown device appears.
Do not wait for the monthly schedule if you suspect someone is following you, find an AirTag, notice lock tampering, see disturbed belongings, receive an unknown-device alert, or believe you are being surveilled.
Tracker: Photograph it, do not remove it immediately, go to a public place or police station, and preserve it for evidence.
Hidden camera: Photograph it, contact police and the property owner, do not remove it, and leave or request another room.
Rogue lock device: Photograph it, contact police, ask a locksmith to verify the lock, and change the locks.
Unauthorized Wi-Fi device: Record its details, change the Wi-Fi password, monitor connected devices, and contact the manufacturer or police if appropriate.
Most people will find nothing. That is good. But a monthly sweep can catch a tracker or camera in one month rather than six months later, create a baseline, and document patterns for law enforcement.
A security sweep takes 30 minutes. A life takes decades.
If you find evidence of stalking or surveillance, contact local law enforcement. In the US, you can also reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233).