Imagine settling into your perfect holiday let, only to discover a suspicious device that could be recording your every private moment. This unsettling scenario is a growing concern for British travellers, with many taking to online forums to share discoveries of questionable items in their rented accommodation.
Travellers' Tales of Suspicious Finds
One holidaymaker posted on Reddit about finding a motion sensor with a built-in camera in a bedroom of a Spanish holiday rental. To be safe, they covered the device with a towel. Another traveller shared a photo of a camera discovered on a shelf inside a cupboard, captioning it, 'Found this camera in my vacation rental.' While some suspicions may be unfounded, the anxiety is real for many families seeking a peaceful break.
These concerns were highlighted last year by Kriss Hardman, who filmed a camera attached to a wall in the corner of an Airbnb in Perth, Australia. Airbnb ultimately refunded the family and covered the cost of moving them to a new property.
Expert Insight: How to Check and What to Do
David Jones, director of private investigator agency Reveal Private Investigations, offers reassurance and practical advice. "Incidents like this are rare, and most short-term rentals are completely safe," he tells the Daily Mail. "Panic isn't necessary, but being aware, like you would in any unfamiliar environment, is key."
He advises guests to check common hiding spots with a clear line of sight to private areas like beds and bathrooms. His list includes:
- Smoke detectors and picture frames
- Clocks, mirrors, and USB chargers
- Vents and other unusually positioned items
"Look for tiny lenses or pinholes," David adds. "In low light, use your phone torch to reveal reflective camera lenses, and watch for faint red LEDs on some 'smart' devices."
Platform Policies and Your Rights
Major rental platforms have strict, evolving rules. In 2024, Airbnb banned all indoor security cameras in listed properties, a rule that did not exist during Ian Timbrell's 2023 stay in Cardiff. Ian had found a camera between sofa cushions; it was disclosed in the listing, but he still felt his privacy was invaded and left.
Current platform policies are clear:
- Airbnb: No indoor cameras or recording devices. Hidden cameras have always been prohibited.
- Booking.com: Surveillance devices are strictly prohibited in private areas and in entire properties. Hosts must proactively inform guests.
- Vrbo: Indoor surveillance cameras are never allowed. Outdoor devices must be disclosed.
Despite these rules, breaches can occur. David Jones outlines the critical steps if you find a hidden camera:
- Do not touch or tamper with the device.
- Take a photo to document its location without disturbing it.
- Contact the property owner and the booking platform immediately.
- Report it to the police. In the UK, recording someone in a private space without consent is a criminal offence.
- If safe, disconnect power to the device, but prioritise preserving evidence.
While the risk is low, a moment of vigilance upon arrival can ensure your holiday home remains the private sanctuary it should be.
