Hidden Cameras With Recordings Found In Bathrooms At Northside Social

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Hidden cameras were found in two public restrooms at Northside Social in Falls Church, according to police.

Police were notified on May 13 two days after a customer noticed a pen-like device in one of the restaurant's first floor bathrooms. The device, which was located under the sink facing the toilet, was turned over to an employee. An identical device was soon found in the other first floor bathroom.

Once police were notified, detectives found the hidden devices contained cameras and had multiple recordings of victims using the bathrooms. Based on witness information, police believe the footage was recorded from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11.

Police are working to identify the suspect and victims.

Anyone with information or believes they were recorded can contact the City of Falls Church Police Criminal Investigations Unit at investigations@fallschurchva.gov.

In light of the hidden camera incident, police provided the following tips to business owners and customers:

• Pay attention to unusual objects that seem out of place, like smoke detectors with tiny pinholes, fake air fresheners, or decoy objects with unusual shapes that could conceal a camera.
• Check common hiding spots like power outlets, tissue boxes, or underneath tables and sinks.
• In low-light conditions, look for small red or green LEDs that might indicate a camera operating in night vision mode.
• Use your phone’s flashlight function to scan for reflections from concealed camera lenses sometimes hidden in outlets, clocks, and smoke detectors.
• Concerns in the City of Falls Church can be reported to the police non-emergency number at 703-241-5053 (TTY 711).