The Biggest Trend of the 2005 Holiday Season for Retailers May be An Onslaught of Lawsuits Stemming from Hidden Cameras in Dressing Rooms and Restroom

With over 19 million miniature wireless cameras sold last year, the threat to this year's holiday shoppers will be incredible.
"Hiding a camera in a dressing room or restroom is a no brainer," says Randall Mitchum, founder of the hidden camera detection service Peep Sweep. "It takes only a few seconds and the culprit needs just one good shot to make a bundle off his website."
The recipe for serious concern by both retailers and shoppers has finally come together. Thanks to price points already under $50 and dropping, sales of tiny cameras have hit critical mass. They are ultra-small, yet able to capture vivid color images. Adding to the commodity pricing, widespread availability and effective technology is the fact that the Internet is following the TV trend as illicit websites are now turning to reality voyeurism as the product of choice. Mix it all together and what you have is a compelling cause for widespread concern.
"All of us should consider ourselves to be in a permanent state of detection in regards to hidden cameras," continued Mr. Mitchum. "Even in our own homes we're at risk. Especially if you have recently moved, thrown a party or had a cleaning crew come through. I'd suggest you think twice about your guest list this holiday season."
While consumers face the risk of personal embarrassment, retailers face the high price of liability lawsuits.
"As with all liability risks, retailers have a simple choice, they can be reactive and fight it out with more lawyers, or be proactive and take a responsible corporate approach," says Mr. Mitchum. "If they can show a jury that they have a documented plan, trained employees and an active detection program, they might get out of the courts unscathed."
To make matters worse for retailers, they have the additional burden of combating a growing opportunity for fraud.
"Gone are the days of dropping a fly in soup or a finger in a bowl of chili," adds Mr. Mitchum. "It's a lot easier to buy a miniature camera at one of the mall's vendor carts and walk right into a department store and drop it on the floor of the dressing room. Top it off with a convincing scream and you have a chance to be a millionaire."
To help retailers manage the threat of hidden cameras in their stores, Peep Sweep is offering free seminars through the end of the year. Each seminar takes only about an hour and prepares managers, employees and security personnel to achieve a range of goals:
- Understand the threat of hidden cameras
- Develop a documented training program
- Launch a proactive detection plan
- Learn about trends such as upskirting
Retailers and mall management companies can sign up for a free seminar on line at http://www.peepsweep.com or by calling 714-757-6382. Seminars are available mornings, days and evenings seven days a week through the end of the year.
About Peep Sweep
Peep Sweep offers hidden camera detection service for both homes and businesses starting at $29. Peep Sweep also provides retailers, property managers and businesses training and consulting to develop comprehensive detection programs. Peep Sweep uses a combination of high-tech detection equipment and a thorough sweep methodology to find hidden cameras. Peep Sweep is actively recruiting dealers throughout the U.S. to join its growing business.

Related Articles

• Class Action Launched Against Beverage Industry, Retailers and Encorp Pacific
  18 January 2005