If you see this coat hook in a toilet, LEAVE: The $25 hidden cameras perverts are using to spy on you

  • Last year, the hooks were found on walls in three public toilets in Florida
  • These 'spy' hooks can be bought online globally for as little as £20 ($25)
  • They are advertised as 'home security devices' and have a battery life of 2 hours

By ELLIE ZOLFAGHARIFARD FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

At first glance, it looks like any other clothing hook.

But on closer inspection, this sinister device contains a hidden camera that spies on people getting undressed.

Police have issued a warning to stay away from hooks like this, and for the public to report them if they see them in public toilets and dressing rooms.

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At first glance, it looks like any other clothing hook. But on closer inspection, this sinister device contains a hidden camera, circled in red, that spies on people getting undressed

At first glance, it looks like any other clothing hook. But on closer inspection, this sinister device contains a hidden camera, circled in red, that spies on people getting undressed

WHAT WE KNOW 

These 'spy' hooks can be bought online by anyone globally for as little as £20 ($25)

They have a battery life of 2 hours and are being advertised as 'home security devices' 

Common spots for hidden cameras are inside dressing rooms, hotel rooms, and public bathrooms 

Last year, police in Florida warned that these hooks had been found on walls in three public toilets around the state 

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The 'spy' hooks can be bought online by anyone globally for as little as £20 ($25).

They contain miniature cameras which film from a small hole at the top of the plastic.

Last year, police in Florida warned that these hooks had been found on walls in three public toilets around the state. 

The Florida Keys sheriff said at the time: 'Anyone who has a public restroom on their property needs to check them closely.

'If you find anything suspicious you think might contain a hidden camera, don't touch it. Call us right away and we will respond.

'Keep in mind, though, that these are very small cameras that can be mounted in many locations and hidden in many seemingly every-day items.'

Police have issued a warning to stay away from hooks like this, and to report them if they see them in public restrooms and dressing rooms. Anyone can place the hook in a public restroom, then retrieve it and download the footage onto their PC

Police have issued a warning to stay away from hooks like this, and to report them if they see them in public restrooms and dressing rooms. Anyone can place the hook in a public restroom, then retrieve it and download the footage onto their PC

According to a Facebook post made by Monroe County Sheriff's Office, all of the cameras had been models that can be purchased online as 'home security devices.'

Common spots for hidden cameras are inside dressing rooms, hotel rooms, and public bathrooms, according to NBC. 

Private investigator Carrie Kerskie told NBC: 'Nowadays, with the advances in technology, all you need to do is insert a MicroSD card. 

'The battery life for these coat hooks, I looked it up, is two hours. 

'Then, you just take it out, pop it in the computer, and you have all your images,' said Kerskie.  

These 'spy' hooks can be bought online by anyone globally for as little as £20 ($25). They contain miniature cameras which film tiny a small hole at the top of the plastic

These 'spy' hooks can be bought online by anyone globally for as little as £20 ($25). They contain miniature cameras which film tiny a small hole at the top of the plastic

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