Sneaky puppy pooper and eater

I know this is going to be mixed reviews. Our puppy does not do great in the crate when home alone, and would defecate in his crate, regardless of how tight of the space we would make it. And he loves his crate and does really well at night and when we're home, he will go in his crate on his own for hours at a time.

We've started to leave him with free range of a few rooms for a few hours (max 2) when we're not home and for 90% of the time he will look out the window or go in his crate and sleep. Recently, I have watched him on camera defecate, and eat it to hide the evidence (I assume) 🤮

And before anyone says it, yes, I take him out before I leave the house.

Suggestions?