Quick Read
- A live-streaming camera was found hidden in a women’s toilet at a Giggling Squid restaurant in Leicester.
- The discovery was made by a 32-year-old woman on December 30, 2025, who reported feeling “violated.”
- Leicestershire Police are investigating the incident; no arrests have been made yet.
- The camera was concealed under a toilet seat with a battery pack and kitchen roll.
- Giggling Restaurants stated full cooperation with the police inquiry.
LEICESTER (Azat TV) – A disturbing incident involving the discovery of a hidden, live-streaming camera in a women’s toilet at a Giggling Squid Thai restaurant in St Martin’s Square, Leicester, has prompted a police investigation and ignited widespread privacy concerns. The camera, found between Christmas and New Year 2025 by a 32-year-old mother-of-one, was concealed beneath a toilet seat, connected to a battery pack and wrapped in kitchen roll, raising alarm about potential widespread surveillance in public spaces.
The victim, an NHS worker who was on a date night on December 30, 2025, described feeling “violated” by the discovery. After using the cubicle, she noticed a misplaced black, round dot under the toilet seat. Upon closer inspection, she identified it as a small camera with visible wires and a battery pack. She immediately alerted restaurant staff about the suspicious device.
Disturbing Discovery in Restaurant Lavatory
The woman recounted her shock to the BBC, stating, “It makes me feel sick – I’ve tried to disassociate myself from it but whoever has done that has won, they have that of me now.” The thought that someone could have been watching, especially in such a private area, was deeply unsettling for her. She also expressed concern for the potentially numerous other individuals who might have used the same toilet without realizing they were being recorded.
The device was later confirmed to be connected to the internet, implying its capability for live-streaming. This detail amplifies the severity of the privacy breach, moving beyond a simple recording to potential real-time voyeurism. The discovery highlights a rarely considered vulnerability in public restrooms, prompting calls for increased vigilance.
Police Investigation Underway
Leicestershire Police were notified the day after the discovery. Officers promptly attended the Giggling Squid restaurant and recovered the device for examination. A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police confirmed that “Further inquiries were carried out regarding CCTV in the restaurant and staff were spoken to in order to try and identify the person responsible.” As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
The police also stated that advice had been given to staff regarding remaining vigilant. Giggling Restaurants, the company operating the chain, issued a statement confirming their full cooperation with the police investigation. A spokesperson for the company said that a customer had reported a “suspicious object” to staff, who “did the right thing and informed police right away, who now have the item in their possession.”
Victim Speaks Out, Urges Vigilance
The victim has chosen to share her experience publicly with the hope of preventing similar incidents and raising public awareness. She emphasized the importance of looking everywhere in public situations, including places people might not typically consider unsafe, such as under toilet seats.
Her message is a stark reminder for the public to perform a quick scan of their surroundings, particularly in private spaces, before use. “If this helps somebody spot it before it can escalate, then great,” she told the BBC, highlighting her intent to empower others to protect their privacy proactively.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
This incident at Giggling Squid is not isolated, echoing a growing concern over the ease with which hidden cameras can be deployed in public and private settings. The availability of miniature, internet-connected devices makes such privacy invasions increasingly accessible to perpetrators. Businesses and public establishments face an evolving challenge in ensuring the safety and privacy of their patrons against such sophisticated, yet easily concealed, surveillance tools.
The discovery of a live-streaming camera in a public restroom underscores a critical erosion of personal privacy in an increasingly connected world, necessitating not only robust law enforcement responses but also a heightened collective awareness among the public to detect and deter such intrusive acts.