Stakeout

A stakeout is a surveillance operation where law enforcement officers or other investigators secretly observe a location, person, or group to gather information about their activities, often related to criminal behavior. This usually involves prolonged observation from a concealed position. The primary goal of a stakeout is to collect evidence, identify suspects, or prevent a crime from occurring. Personnel are often equipped with surveillance equipment like cameras and listening devices.

Stakeout meaning with examples

• Detectives conducted a stakeout of the suspected drug house, observing comings and goings, and recording license plates. Their meticulous surveillance eventually led to a successful raid.
• The wildlife protection team set up a stakeout near the endangered bird's nest, hoping to catch poachers. After days, they apprehended two individuals.
• Undercover officers maintained a stakeout at the bank, hoping to catch a bank robber in the act. They watched closely using binoculars.
• After a series of burglaries, the neighborhood watch organized a community stakeout to deter further crimes, and hopefully identify any suspects.
• The media set up a stakeout to catch the celebrity getting out of their house, hoping to capture candid photographs for their gossip column.