FALLS CHURCH, Va. (DC News Now) — The City of Falls Church Police Department said it is investigating after cameras were found hidden inside restrooms at a cafe and wine bar.
On May 11, a customer at Northside Social Falls Church noticed a pen-like device hidden under a sink, facing the toilet in one of the restaurant’s first-floor restrooms. The customer turned it over to an employee and an identical device was found in a similar hiding spot in another restroom on the first floor, according to a news release.
On Monday, officers recovered the devices from Northside Social, which is located at 205 Park Avenue.
Police said the devices had cameras with recordings of victims using the restrooms. Investigators believe the footage was recorded on May 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
If you were at Northside Social during those times and used a restroom on the first floor, or if you have any information, you are encouraged to contact the City of Falls Church Police Criminal Investigations Unit. You can email the unit at investigations@fallschurchva.gov or you can call (703) 241-5053.
The police department warned business owners and customers to be on the lookout for hidden cameras in restrooms and other discreet areas. They advised people to:
- Pay attention to unusual objects that seem out of place, like smoke detectors with tiny pinholes, fake air fresheners or decoy objects with unusual shapes that could hide a camera;
- Check hiding spots like power outlets, tissue boxes or underneath tables and sinks;
- In low-light conditions, look for small red or green LEDs that might indicate a camera operating in night vision mode;
- Use your phone’s flashlight function to scan for reflections from concealed camera lenses sometimes hidden in outlets, clocks and smoke detectors.