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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations

What to do if…
you find or suspect a hidden camera or secret recording device in a private space

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Move away from the suspected device and go somewhere you believe is safer. Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger or the situation may become violent; otherwise, you can contact the police on 101 or speak to a specialist support service without first proving what the object is.

Do not do these things

  • Do not confront anyone you suspect if that could put you or someone else at risk.
  • Avoid continuing to dress, wash, sleep, or have private conversations in the affected space.
  • Do not dismantle, reset, unplug, connect to, or closely examine the suspected device unless this is necessary for immediate safety.
  • Do not post photographs, names, addresses, or accusations publicly.
  • Do not remain in the space to complete a detailed search.
  • Do not assume you must report immediately or identify who placed the device.
  • Do not blame yourself for not noticing it sooner.

What to do now

  1. Leave the affected space and move to a place away from the suspected device. Take any child or other person who may be at risk with you when it is safe to do so.
  2. Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger, a crime appears to be happening now, or you fear the situation may become violent.
  3. Tell someone you trust what you have found or noticed. Ask them to stay with you, help you leave, or make a call on your behalf.
  4. If you may want the police to examine the device and it is safe, leave it where it is, avoid handling it, take no more than a simple photograph from a distance, and note when and where you noticed it.
  5. When there is no immediate danger, you can report suspected voyeurism to the police by calling 101, using your local police force’s online reporting service, or visiting a police station.
  6. In a hotel, workplace, rented property, changing area, or other managed location, contact the responsible staff from somewhere away from the device. Ask to move to another private space and ask that people are kept out of the affected area.
  7. If a child may have been recorded or may still be at risk, contact the police, local children’s services, or the NSPCC. Call 999 if the risk is immediate.
  8. An adult affected by possible intimate recording can contact the Revenge Porn Helpline. Sexual violence support services can also provide confidential support without requiring a police report.

What can wait

You do not need to identify the device, test whether it works, search the whole property, establish who installed it, or find possible recordings now. Decisions about reporting, moving home, leaving a job or relationship, arranging a technical inspection, taking legal action, or telling other people can wait until you are safer and have support.

Important reassurance

A suspicious object is not proof that recording occurred, but you do not need proof before leaving the space or asking for help. Feeling frightened, exposed, angry, or unsure is understandable. You are not responsible for another person choosing to watch or record you without your agreement.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate safety, support, and basic preservation of the situation only. Later decisions about reporting, device examination, safeguarding, housing, employment, online content, or legal action may require help from the police, a specialist support organisation, or another qualified professional.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, technical-security, medical, therapeutic, or other professional advice. Whether conduct amounts to a criminal offence depends on the circumstances and the part of the UK where it occurred. Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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