Spotting hidden video cameras was child play twenty years ago. The reduction in size we have witnessed in the last 10 years has made it increasingly difficult to find a hidden video camera. This makes it possible to place a hidden camera pretty much anywhere. This article will look into the different methods of hiding and finding a hidden camera.
It is worth noting the huge growth in production and installation of hidden video cameras in public areas. Universities, bars, gas stations, garages, supermarkets, discos, and even cinemas are outfitted with a hidden camera in every window, column and door entrance. The estimated number of hidden video camera units worldwide is over 30 million units. Countries like Britain with over 4 million surveillance cameras, and cities like Shanghai with 5 video cameras per square meter, are living proof that the Orwellian world of Big Brother is, in a way, already a reality.
Although we all agree that hidden camera video recorders are found everywhere, not many people are interested in knowing how to find them. Most of us consider them a legitimate security measure and we do not give them a second thought. However, evidence shows we have every reason to want to at least know the basics of how to find a surveillance camera. This is because not all cameras are used for legitimate security reasons or with our knowledge. According to the American Management Association 33% of major businesses in the United States tape their employees to protect themselves from theft and other illegal activities on their property.
It is very easy and cheap to buy a miniature camera that can fit in the most unexpected places. Clive Norris in his book “The Maximum Surveillance Society – The rise of CCTV (1999) reported that 15% of all CCTVs used to prey on women were carried out by the camera operator for voyeuristic purposes.
There are many places you can hide a camera. Tools are available that will make the process of finding them easier. However, the best method is a thorough visual inspection. Let us look at some of the most used hiding places.
The Long Shot
The hardest cameras to find are those that are not in the same room, or even the same building. These are cameras with large lenses that can zoom into a distant room through a window or skylight. This type can be avoided by scanning possible locations for these cameras and using blinds and windows to increase privacy.
Mirrors
A classic hiding place for a camera is behind a two way mirror. This method makes the camera invisible and easy to hide behind a TV, or mirror. Two way mirrors are darker than regular mirrors. You can also identify mirror cameras if you shield your eyes from any other light and look into the mirror.
The Pin Hole
Ceilings, walls, and picture frames can become hiding places for cameras by simply drilling a small hole and inserting a miniature pinhole camera. Professionals will often place these cameras next to a light source to make detection even harder. Often these cameras can be disguised as part of a sprinkler, or smoke detector.
LED Lights
An ingenious hiding place is using a LED light as cover for a hidden camera video. LED lights are part of no end of electrical devices, which makes it very easy to hide a camera behind a “broken” indicator light.