Covert Video Cameras: Who's Watching Me?

Covert Video Cameras: Who's Watching Me?

Bruce Mandelblit
Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006

	Book on Katie Couric Makes Waves
	White House: We're Not Subject to FOIA
	FBI Seeks 2 Mysterious Men on Ferry
	Publisher: Conservatives Do Read As Much As Liberals
	Romney Shrugs Off Mormon History Film

The controversial news of the National Security Agency (NSA) conducting domestic spying puts a spotlight on the issue of surveillance in general.

Have you ever wondered, for instance in your place of employment or at the local shopping mall, if you were being watched?

Even if no cameras were visible, would it still be possible that you were under video observation?

The answer is, remarkably, an astounding yes!

I recently received an incredible catalog. It was a catalog of amazing covert video cameras, some as small as about the size of a quarter.

Story Continues Below

As I thumbed through the catalog, each page brought to my attention another ingeniously disguised video camera. In this column, I will share with you some of the most convert and hidden video surveillance cameras I discovered.

A Quick Security Tip: If you are interested in any type of concealed camera, be sure to check and comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding these kinds of devices.

Next time you are at work or shopping, perhaps you should take a second look at the water sprinkler in the ceiling. Yes, it just might be a covert video camera.

Are you safe in the dark? With new video technology, secret cameras may have invisible-to-the-human-eye infrared LEDs, which will allow it to "see" in many low-light or no-light conditions.

What time is it? Even that wall clock you are looking at may have a pinhole video camera watching you.

How's this for being tricky? Guess what, that smoke detector might just be a covert video camera too!

They even have a secret video camera integrated into a portable, fully functional AM/FM radio. And look out – they also make a clock radio version of this covert camera.

Another truly amazing video camera looks just like a floodlight bulb. In fact, it can be screwed into any standard light socket for immediate use.

They now can integrate secret video cameras into building emergency lights and even emergency exit signs.

They even make a covert picture camera that hides a tiny concealed lens in the eye of a drawing of a fish. How's that for being fishy!

For concealed video cameras that fit perfectly in an office environment, they have a camera that is designed to look like a speaker you might find in an acoustic drop ceiling. Plus, they now have fully functional computer speakers that hide a video camera. Even more astonishing, this digital covert camera can record video directly to the hard drive of the computer for later viewing.

Is the air stuffy? Don't worry. Inside this working air purifier is a high-quality pin camera.

What about a hidden video camera in a VCR? Yes, that is on the market today.

That lamp on that table? It just might house a high-resolution covert camera.

Is the room too cold? Be alert, because that wall thermostat may have an integrated secret camera.

See that innocent-looking birdhouse in the yard? It just might contain a high-resolution color camera.

They even have tiny cameras that are hidden in cellular telephones, calculators, books, briefcases, ball caps, pagers, cigarette packs, eyeglasses and even neckties!

My Final Thoughts: It is amazing to see the incredible types of covert cameras on today's market. I can just imagine, with our fast-emerging technology, the new kinds of secret video cameras that will be available in the upcoming months and years.

So, next time you see a fire sprinkler, an emergency exit sign, a smoke detector, an air purifier, or even a birdhouse, be sure to take a second or even a third look and smile; you just might be on camera!

(Note: If you manufacture or distribute any Security, Safety, Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Defense or Crime Prevention related products, please send information on your product line for possible future reference in this column to: CrimePrevention123@yahoo.com.)

* * * * * *

"Staying Safe" with Bruce Mandelblit is a regular column for the readers of NewsMax.com and NewsMax.com Magazine.

Bruce welcomes your thoughts. His e-mail address is: CrimePrevention123@yahoo.com.

Bruce is a nationally known security journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve Law Enforcement Officer.

Bruce writes Staying Safe, a weekly syndicated column covering the topics of security, safety and crime prevention.

Bruce was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel – the state's highest honor – for his public service.

This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.

Editor's note:
E.D. Hill reveals the secrets of America's most successful people � Go Here Now
Greenspan Sees Dark Clouds, Protect Yourself!
Doctor: 7 Secrets of Losing Weight Permanently

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
Privacy