Tiny hidden cameras, disguised as everyday objects, are being discovered in restrooms across hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and even workplaces
While public loos aren’t exactly the places you’d want to linger, there are times when we simply can’t avoid them. However, despite being a sanctuary of privacy, security boffins are warning that they’re increasingly becoming hotspots for illicit surveillance.
Tiny concealed cameras, camouflaged as everyday items, are popping up in toilets across hotels, shopping centres, eateries, and even workplaces. There have been several court cases involving individuals who’ve planted hidden cameras to film unsuspecting victims.
Among these was Adam Devaney, from Selby, who was jailed for two years last year after using a camera concealed in a pen to film colleagues in the staff loo.
In another case, businessman Philip Woolmer, then 67 from Chattenden, was also caught for using a hidden camera in public loos and handed a suspended prison sentence in September 2024.
Now, Online Spy Shop, experts in counter-surveillance and hidden camera detection, have examined the latest security threats and highlighted the subtle signs that a public lavatory might be compromised, reports Lancs Live.
Being aware of what to look out for could be the difference between safeguarding your privacy and being unwittingly observed.
A spokesman said: “Most people assume public restrooms are private, but technology is making hidden surveillance easier than ever. Small cameras are being discovered in places you’d never expect. By knowing what to look for, you can protect yourself from being unknowingly recorded. If something feels off, trust your instincts and report it.”
Hidden cameras in loos are a growing concern, but staying alert, checking for warning signs, and reporting dodgy activity can prevent you from becoming a victim.
Would you spot the danger signals the next time you pop into a public toilet?
Gadgets don’t need to be massive
Spy cameras are no longer chunky gadgets with obvious wires.
Tech advances have made them tinier, wireless, and almost impossible to spot for the average person.
Crooks are now concealing cameras inside coat pegs, air fresheners, toilet seats, air vents, and even bolts on cubicle doors.
Once fitted, these cameras beam footage instantly, letting hackers and perverts watch or save recordings without victims ever knowing.
Many people don’t scan their surroundings before using a public loo, making them sitting ducks.
How to identify a camera
Online Spy Shop experts recommend watching out for several warning signs before using a public toilet.
These include:
- Unusual objects or out-of-place items – If you see a coat hook, vent, or screw that looks newer or different from the rest, it may contain a hidden camera
- Small reflective lenses – Many spy cameras have a tiny, barely noticeable lens that reflects light under a flashlight or phone torch
- Objects facing unusual angles – Cameras are often positioned facing the toilet or sink, not in normal functional directions
- Tiny holes in the wall or fixtures – Some cameras are embedded into small pinholes in tiles, walls, or even soap dispensers
- Flickering or exposed wires – A small wire peeking out of an air vent, toilet seat, or paper towel dispenser can indicate an illegally installed camera
What to do if you suspect you’ve discovered a camera
If you notice something dodgy, don’t use the toilet. Instead:
- Use your phone’s flashlight to scan for reflections that might indicate a hidden lens
- Turn off the lights and check for small LED indicators, as some cameras emit a faint glow in the dark
- Report it immediately to the business owner, management, or security team
- Call the police if you confirm a hidden camera—it is illegal to record people in private spaces
- Carry a hidden camera detector, a small device that scans for wireless transmissions and hidden lenses