With spring on its way, lots of people are likely thinking ahead to their holidays. If you’re starting to put plans in place for a break, you might be one of the many Brits looking to book a holiday let rather than a hotel.
However, a private investigator is warning that these platforms come with privacy risks. Aaron Bond, a private investigator from Bond Rees, says his team have found multiple hidden cameras in holiday lets — and some are hidden in places that will shock you. Aaron said: “There are whole websites and forums set up discussing the use of hidden cameras and how to make them harder to detect.
“I’ve seen them in smoke alarms, plug sockets, phone chargers, alarm clocks and even in ballpoint pens. They are designed to fit in with the room they are in, so spotting them is difficult, even for us.”
Some cameras can be hidden in places where you are your most vulnerable, such as bedrooms, bathrooms or hot tubs.
Aaron said:“Offenders know that they will capture the most sensitive footage. We’ve also seen devices hidden outside in long grass if there is a hot tub or pool present.”
In the UK, it is illegal to record private spaces, so if you do spot something that could be a camera it’s important to get yourself somewhere safe before calling the authorities.
If you are concerned about a possible hidden camera, there are some things to look out for. Items that seem to be out of place are a good place to start, Aaron said.
“Spotting these objects is difficult, but you always have a chance if you keep a lookout for items that just seem out of place. Smoke alarms should be centrally fitted rather than in a corner of a room, clocks often aren’t installed facing the shower, and most people don’t use physical alarm clocks anymore, so unplug it and turn it away from your bed.”
Cameras will glint if you shine a light on them, so a good way to check your room is by scanning slowly around the room slowly with your phone’s flashlight turned on.
Aaron said: “It’s important not to panic, most holiday lets are safe, but you should always be aware when staying in someone else’s property.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
