Police investigating hidden cameras found in Northside community restrooms – Falls Church News-Press Online

Thursday, May 23, 2024 — The Falls Church Police Department is investigating an incident involving hidden cameras found in two public restrooms at Northside Social (205 Park Avenue).

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, a customer noticed a pen-like device hidden under the sink and pointed toward a toilet in one of the restrooms on the first floor of the restaurant. The customer gave the device to a restaurant employee. An identical device was found shortly afterwards in a similar hiding place in an adjacent toilet on the first floor. The Falls Church Police Department was notified about the devices on Monday, May 13, and officers responded to the restaurant and recovered the devices.

Detectives determined that the hidden devices included cameras, both of which contain numerous videos of the victims using the restrooms. Based on interviews with the victim who found the devices and Northside Social staff, investigators believe the camera footage was recorded on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Investigators would like to identify any potential victims who may have been illegally recorded by hidden cameras. If you or someone you know was at Northside Social between 4.30pm and 6.30pm on Saturday 11 May 2024 and believe you may have visited the first floor toilets or have any other information about this incident, please contact the Investigations Unit Falls Church Police at [email protected].

As the investigation continues and detectives work to identify suspects and potential victims of this crime, the Falls Church Police Department is urging business owners and their customers to be on the lookout for hidden cameras in restrooms and other discreet locations in public areas:

• Look out for unusual items that seem out of place, such as smoke detectors with small holes, fake air fresheners, or oddly shaped decoy items that can hide the camera.
• Check common hiding places such as electrical outlets, tissue boxes, or under tables and sinks.
• In low light conditions, look for small red or green LEDs that may indicate that the camera is in night vision mode.
• Use your phone’s flashlight function to look for reflections from hidden camera lenses, sometimes hidden in sockets, clocks and smoke detectors.

If you suspect that a hidden camera is being used for illegal purposes in a public space, please prioritize your safety and privacy by discreetly leaving the area, and then report your concerns to the Falls Church Police Department by calling the police non-emergency number at 703-241 -5053 (TTY 711).