Inconspicuous recordings: Sale of spy cameras spike
Earlier this year, the security cameras crashed after the UPS they ran on fused, as nearby lawyers offices were piggybacking on the system to run their fans during power outages.
Even though many businesses are still struggling with the impacts of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the economic downturn, one segment which is facing a boom in Rawalpindi is the sale of hidden or ‘spy’ cameras.
Traders of these devices in the garrison city, particularly in the electronic markets of Bara Market, College Road Electronics Market, Imperial Market and other markets in the city and cantonment areas have said that sales have increased dramatically recently.
A trader who deals in such items told The Express Tribune that spy cameras of various qualities are available for purchase in the market and can cost anywhere from Rs3,000 all the way up to Rs12,000 depending on their capabilities and features. They come with different recording capacity as well, from eight hours to 72 hours.
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He further said that there are more than 300 types of hidden cameras available in the market. The most popular of these include those which have been hidden inside a pen, goggles, buttons, rings, watches, bracelets, and collars.
Asked about whether there were any other features which piqued customer interest, the trader said that the demand for cameras which have the capability to record in the night and those that can perform for longer on independent power supply units such as batteries is very high. The trader further said that there is no restriction on the purchase of such devices and anyone, of any age group, can buy them provided that they have the requisite sum to fund the purchase.
Various businessmen who started trading online due to the pandemic confirmed that the demand for hidden or spy cameras has skyrocketed. Some buyers said that they prefer the imported variety of cameras, disclosing that they are buying them for general security purposes since they are usually more durable than the standard closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras available in the market.