will i be able to detect a hidden cam using metal detector?
i learned that it can be detected with some wireless detector which searches for signal in frequency range 100Mhz to 3Ghz. But what if the hidden camera frequency is something else or if the person is using infrared night vision hidden cam?
This is for my rented house and i would like to make sure that no hidden cams are installed. will a metal detector help – like say if i scan the complete wall with a metal detector?
Start looking for what all cameras need: a power source, and a place in which to mount themselves properly so they are oriented or pointing at their intended target.
Chances are, you don’t spend a lot of time in any one part of your house at any one time – except to sleep. Your actions would be unpredictable – even in your own home. If you left, the viewer would never know when you might return. This would require recording hours of video (requiring massive storage) in order to catch that one moment the viewer wants to see (or they have to sit and watch every every second regardless if you are there or not). If your house came unfurnished, installing the cameras ahead of occupancy might put them in the wrong locations. There is no telling where you will put your furniture, hang things on the wall, or what rooms you will use for what purposes. Surveillance is not as easy as it looks on TV.
Mini-cameras can run on something as small as a 9volt battery. 9v batteries don’t last long, so someone has to come and change them. If a camera is present, it is probably attached directly to the existing power lines in the wall. You will need to search for any unexplained power transformers or any power lines. Any wiring that seems to be the wrong size might also be an indicator.
Mini-cams also have very short optical and focus ranges, so they must be within 5 feet of their subject in order to show any detail. If any are present, they are probably only in very specific areas of the house. A quick look in the ceiling or under the floors (if not on a concrete subfloor) will be a quick way to eliminate those areas of possibility.
If order for someone to view the hidden camera (if it is there), there must be some type of distribution or broadcast system. This can be wireless or landline. Again, both types will need a power source in order to send the signal a great distance. If there are no powered buildings within a 1/4 mile of you, the signal is not being sent out wirelessly. The wireless system necessary would give itself away eventually. If not using landline or wireless, there will be a recording device that must be changed every so often.
Chances are that you are not being watched, but if you absolutely feel you are, you can hire a security company to come and check the house. Most will do a security check for free and not just for hidden cameras. They will have a variety of equipment to check for an almost unlimited number of threats.
– You can also hire an electrician to check every inch of your house for a reasonable price. They have specialized equipment to peer through walls, floors, and ceilings without any destruction or disassembly. This equipment will tell the electrician’s crew what electronics are in the wall. They can also tell which ones are active and which ones are not – as well as which electrical items in the wall are necessary and un-necessary. The electricians will also be able to tell if there is any wiring that has bypassed the circuit breaker (a possible fire hazard and a violation of building and structure code in many places).
You may also want to consult an attorney before you start the search. If you do find anything, notify your attorney and if your attorney agrees, call the cops immediately to file a report. Get photos and video of all the serial numbers, model numbers, and manufacturers of the cameras and distribution system. Your attorney may also want you to not touch anything so they can have the item fingerprinted.
– If you wish to confront the landlord, ask the landlord to come to the location and ensure the cops or at least your attorney are there. Record the conversation if possible. If the landlord denies that the equipment belongs to them, your attorney will probably suggest you take it and will advise you on what else to do.
– Even if the landlord admits the equipment is theirs, it may not necessarily be a crime, but your attorney can always can argue a civil matter of fraud, invasion of privacy, or intent to harm.