Protect Yourself from Video Peeping Toms

Hidden video camera systems can be quite a helpful resource if you want to protect your home or business from theft, or for protecting your children from abuse. Hidden cameras have also been used to expose child labor, animal abuse, police misconduct, and other broken laws. But what about peeping toms that use cameras to capture video and photos? Because these tiny video systems are extremely easy to purchase and use, perverts can easily get their hands of them and violate your privacy.

You may have already had your privacy violated by one of these criminals and not even know it. Peeping toms who use non-consensual video and pictures for personal or financial perversions are breaking the law. Learn how to protect yourself from becoming the next video voyeur victim by learning how these peeping toms operate.

Persons who invade others privacy with the use of video cameras and photos are perverted criminals and should be treated as such. Sadly, the laws in many states do not deter these individuals from secretly placing video systems in dressing rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, and other inappropriate areas. Often the penalties are about as harsh as a slap on the wrist and in many cases the pervert doesn't even spend time in jail.

The risk of this crime happening in your home is quite low, but in public you are definitely at risk. With the advancement of digital technology a pervert can take a video or picture of you with a miniature camera, cell phone, or other inconspicuous recording device without your knowledge. Some of these individuals target young women in skirts or low cut tops and worse still, some specifically film children.

If you or your child has been a victim of this disgusting crime don't blame yourself. Although being secretly video taped can severely alter your attitudes toward privacy it's important to remember that not everyone is like that. In fact the percentage of perverts who like this type of material is relatively small compared to other sexual fetishes.

This crime can deal a damaging blow to your self esteem and you may even find you are uncomfortable going to the bathroom, showering, getting dressed and undressed, and even wearing certain clothing in public. Victims may find it extremely difficult at first to trust others, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. As time passes, and with therapy (if necessary) victims can work out their issues so they can go back to living without fear or being exposed by some random pervert again.

Although the laws concerning video voyeurism in most states are not adequate, in most cases you can make a complaint and the Police can confiscate the criminals video camera or other recording devices used in the crime. If you can press charges the Police may also be able to search and seize items from their home discovering other abuses of sexual nature. If you want to help change the laws in your state, write to your legislator. You can write by snail mail or email, either way they do count the letters and consider what the public wants when it comes time to pass a new law.

You can make much needed changes in the law by being proactive and getting involved in volunteer work associated with this crime. Because of loopholes in the law these perverts may walk free without spending a day behind bars; free to victimize someone else. If you catch someone peeping with a video camera you should call the police immediately, even if they run away. Remember as best you can what they look like, what they are wearing, license plate numbers, and so on because they are likely to run if you get upset.

If you have been victimized or feel you have been victimized ask others around you if they saw anything. Often with up-skirt voyeur video, the pervert will walk closely or stand close behind you. You may not even realize they are there but someone else only feet away may be able to see everything they are doing clearly. The best way to avoid becoming a peeping toms next victim is to be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to people watching you or who seem to be following too closely and move away from them.

Often busy places like the mall, fairs, outdoor concerts, festivals, competitions, and other events draw these perverts because they know it will be easy to get video. You are also more likely to be videotaped up-skirt if you are wearing shorts, a skirt, or a dress. Some of these perverts hang around local pools and beaches videotaping women and children in bathing suits and in various states of dress. Be aware of who is around you and your children, if you have any.

This crime is a sexual crime, where non consenting adults and children are filmed or have their picture taken explicitly for the purpose of sexual manipulation. Sometimes the videos and photos are kept in private collections, but more often than not they are shared among these predators through email and Internet web sites dedicated to secret voyeur fetishes.

Although the risk of this crime happening at home is comparatively less than in public, if you are renting or sharing an apartment or house, you may want to have a good look around before signing the lease. Just as video technology has advanced, so has the science of detecting it. There are devices you can purchase that will help you locate hidden video cameras behind walls and in ceilings. An RF Signal Detector can pick up video cameras of all kinds and will beep and light up if it is near one.

When staying in an unfamiliar place like a new rental home/apartment or hotel room you may want to consider using an RF Signal Detector to search for hidden cameras. Often perverts will use their home or job as a place to capture secret video and it is easy to do it without the knowledge of others. Many new cameras are also miniature in size and come in a variety of disguises from household items to children's toys.

Some cameras are only pin sized and a wireless surveillance system can be rigged up in a basement or attic with ease. Ask to see both of these areas upon renting a home or apartment just in case a pervert lives with you or owns the space. If the landlord says no without adequate cause, you may have reason to suspect something is up.

Check bathrooms, showers, store dressing rooms, and other private areas for evidence of video cameras before doing anything you don't want someone else to see. Think like the criminal would think. Where would you put a video camera? Are there any items that seem to be directly pointed toward a certain area or seem out of place? Do you have that strange feeling someone is watching or following you? If so, take action and don't become the next video peeping toms victim. You don't have to go overboard and be suspicious of everyone or every place but by being aware of your surroundings you have a much less chance of becoming a victim.