While public toilets aren’t always places you want to spend time there are occasions when we have no choice. But while they are supposed to be a place of privacy, security experts are warning that they are increasingly being targeted for illegal surveillance.
Tiny hidden cameras, disguised as everyday objects, are being discovered in restrooms across hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and even workplaces. There have been a number of prosecutions from incidents where people have hidden cameras to film unsuspecting victims.
These included Adam Devaney who was jailed for two years last year after using a camera hidden in a pen to film colleagues using a staff toilet. In a separate case businessman Philip Woolmer was also caught using a concealed camera in public toilets and given a suspended jail sentence in September.
Now Online Spy Shop, specialists in counter-surveillance and hidden camera detection, have analysed the latest security threats and revealed the subtle signs that a public bathroom may be compromised. Knowing what to look for could mean the difference between protecting your privacy and unknowingly being watched.
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 bathrooms are a growing issue, but staying aware, checking for red flags, and reporting suspicious activity can prevent you from becoming a victim. Would you recognise the warning signs the next time you enter a public restroom?
Devices don’t have to be big
Spy cameras are no longer bulky devices with visible wires. Advancements in technology have made them smaller, wireless, and nearly undetectable to the untrained eye. Criminals are now disguising cameras inside coat hooks, air fresheners, toilet seats, vents, and even screws on stall doors.
Once installed, these cameras transmit footage in real time, allowing hackers and predators to watch or store recordings without victims ever realising. Many people don’t check their surroundings before using a public restroom, making them easy targets.
Ways to spot a camera
Online Spy Shop experts suggest looking for a number of red flags before using a public restroom. 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 think you have found a camera
If you see something suspicious, do not use the restroom. 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.