Officials offer ways to protect against hidden cameras amid recent incidents in New Jersey
David Lyons, John Olson and Ryan Curtin are all charged with filming children using hidden cameras in recent months.
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Since August, News 12 New Jersey has reported three major incidents across the state involving hidden cameras placed in areas such as karate school changing rooms, rental properties and even in the bedrooms of foster children.
David Lyons, John Olson and Ryan Curtin are all charged with filming children using hidden cameras. These actions leave victims severely traumatized, according to Wall Township Detective Sgt. Michael Tancredi.
“They feel like they’re not themselves. They feel violated,” said Tancredi.
Tancredi helped bust a case in town, where the accused used a simple USB drive to hide small cameras.
“Light switches can have them, smoke detectors can also have them, as well. I think an increase in this is happening due to technology and the fact it’s covert now,” said Tancredi.
One way you can spot hidden cameras is with your own cellphone. Tancredi says that to use this method, put your phone on camera mode with the flash and aim at the suspected device in a darkened room.
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“You’ll get a faint light depending on the darkness, but that’s an indicator you have a possible hidden camera in your room,” explained Tancredi.
He says to look for lens reflections next.
“You can see a faint reflection of the lens. That’s an indicator that there’s a camera in that room you’re looking for,” he added.
Lyons, of Pennsylvania, has admitted to secretly recording a 15-year-old girl while she showered at a rental home in Beach Haven.
Vacation Rentals LBI founder Duane Watlington advises that before renting or listing your home, use a reputable website. Now in his 10th year of business, Watling says his site facilitates communication between renters and owners before booking.
“That personal interaction between the owner and the guest is what we feel is the best way to find the best vacation rental. Not only to save money but also to help prevent this from happening,” said Watlington.
Officials say that if you do find a suspicious recording device, call the police.
“You back out of that room, leave, and don’t touch it. Leave that for the police officers to come and use that for evidence,” said Tancredi.
