Google map 'blamed' for break-ins

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/bradford/8617658.stm

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A milkman from Bradford has blamed Google Street View for a string of break-ins at his home.

Gordon Rayner said thieves specifically targeted his home in Thackley after photos of his garage and its contents were made available online.

Mr Rayner, 54, who has now called for compensation, said: "They (Google) have intruded on my privacy and human rights to live in peace and quiet."

Google said it would agree to blur out images on request.

The company's Street View software has captured images of Mr Rayner's garage with the door open, showing equipment including a washing machine, freezer and mountain bike.

This is making everybody aware of where you live and leaving us as open targets Gordon Rayner

Mr Rayner said his garage was burgled on 12 March and attempted break-ins took place the following two nights.

"It's all right Google saying we can blank things out after the event. They should have asked me personally if they could view my property.

"I choose to live in this area because I know it's nice and quiet... this is making everybody aware of where you live and leaving us as open targets."

Mr Rayner added: "Really I'd like compensation from them for the bicycle."

Laura Scott, from Google, said: "We've spoken to the police up and down the country and there's no evidence to suggest that Street View has been used in this or any other crime."

Ms Scott added: "The key things are that we blur number plates and faces but we also give people the opportunity if they want to have their house or their garage or their car or themselves completely removed from Street View."

West Yorkshire Police confirmed the break-ins had been reported and said enquiries were ongoing.