A woman has described feeling profoundly violated after making a shocking discovery in the toilet of a popular restaurant chain. The incident occurred at the Giggling Squid Thai restaurant in Leicester, where a hidden camera was found concealed under the toilet seat, sparking a police investigation and serious concerns about privacy in public spaces.
A Date Night Shattered by a Chilling Discovery
The 32-year-old NHS worker was enjoying a date night with her partner in December when she visited the restaurant's facilities. It was there she encountered the disturbing device. "I turned around and I looked down and I saw this black round dot - it was a bit out of place because the toilet's white," she recounted to BBC News. "It was just there, a small camera, some wires coming off of it, and then a battery pack with kitchen roll over it, and my stomach just sank."
The small black camera, wrapped in kitchen roll with its lens visible, was later confirmed to be connected to the internet, capable of live-streaming. The woman explained she only noticed the device after she had used the toilet, stating that whoever placed it had "won" in their invasive act. "The thought of someone watching, especially in such a private area, scared me. It's a really uncomfortable thing to think about, that somebody's got that now," she said, highlighting the psychological impact of the violation.
Police Investigation and Restaurant Response
Leicestershire Police were notified and have conducted an investigation. A police spokesperson confirmed: "Officers attended and the device was recovered for examination. Further inquiries were carried out regarding CCTV in the restaurant and staff were spoken to in order to try and identify the person responsible. Advice has also been given to staff about remaining vigilant." To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the placement of the camera.
A spokesperson for Giggling Restaurants, the company operating the chain, stated that a customer reported a "suspicious object" to staff on the night it was found. The company has affirmed it is cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation.
A Warning to the Public
By sharing her traumatic experience, the victim hopes to prevent others from falling prey to similar violations. She urges people to be more vigilant in public spaces, even in locations perceived as safe. "No one looks under toilet seats, but she warned for people to have a 'little scan' before they use them," she advised, emphasising that such predatory acts can occur anywhere.
The incident raises alarming questions about security and privacy in hospitality venues. With the camera's internet connectivity, the potential for widespread violation is significant, as the woman noted: "There must have been so many people visiting that toilet." This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased awareness and protective measures against covert surveillance in everyday environments.
