Police recently arrested two men for allegedly recording private moments of a couple in a hotel room and attempting to extort money by threatening to release the footage. According to police, the suspect’s modus operandi was to book rooms at the hotel and set up cameras to record couples. Sources said the cameras were placed in such a way that cleaning staff would not notice them. In 2019, Maharashtra Police seized an LED light kit from a budget hotel in Mahabaleshwar after suspecting it contained a hidden camera. According to the complaint, the camera secretly filmed guests staying in the room. If you’re staying at a hotel, it’s always a good idea to check for hidden cameras and audio recording devices before you check in. Here are 10 common things and places to always check when staying in hotel rooms.
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Check the speakers or speaker network in the alarm clock for hidden cameras
Hidden cameras can be easily placed in alarm clock speakers and speaker nets. Also, if you find a low-hanging clock, examine it carefully with your flashlight. If you’re not sure, the easiest way is to cover them with tissue paper.
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Hidden cameras are often found in reading or lava lamps; check them carefully
Always go through all the items that are present in the room – fancy lights, reading lamps, picture frames or other decorations. If you are unsure or suspect a device, either remove it and keep it in a drawer or almirah in the room, or cover it with a tissue, towel or something else.
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Check the TV and set-top box
Another thing to check is the TV and set-top box in the hotel room. Look for the power button and shine on it. The flashlight method works best here. Use a bright light and shine it across the room, especially at things you suspect. Watch carefully for reflections, especially blue or purple ones as you move the light.
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Check flower pots
Another place where cameras can be hidden is in flower pots. Check them with a flashlight or flashlight. Remove or cover them if you are unsure. You can also ask hotel staff to remove plastic flowers if you feel unsafe.
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Look for hidden cameras in the mirror
A must are the mirrors in the room, almirah and washroom. The two-way mirror test is the best and most reliable here. Here’s how to do it. Place the tip of your fingernail on the reflective surface and if there is a gap between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is a normal mirror. However, if your fingernail is directly touching the image of your nail, then it is a two-way mirror.
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Check the ventilation and air conditioning ducts properly with a flashlight
Do not forget to check the ventilation and air conditioning ducts. This can be done simply by throwing a flashlight.
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Check power plugs or outlets
Hidden cameras can also be plugged into power plugs or sockets. Make sure you review these properly.
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Check the towel and hair dryer racks
Check the bathroom towel and hair dryer racks for pinhole cameras. Also look for their hooks. Tiny hidden cameras can be there too.
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Check fire alarms and smoke detectors
Always check the fire alarm and smoke detector as these are the most common places for a hidden camera.
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Check the knobs on doors, cabinets, drawers, and curtain rods
The cameras can also be hidden on knobs and handles of doors, cabinets, drawers and curtain rods. Check them carefully for hidden cameras.
