Hiding Spy Cameras In Cars: Best Secret Spots

There are many reasons to install a spy camera in your car, from catching a car thief to keeping an eye on who is using your car and how. The close quarters of a vehicle make it a good place to catch sight of the people in it, but it also makes it challenging to conceal a camera. When choosing a camera, opt for the smallest and most portable one possible, preferably one that is battery-operated and already disguised as another object. Consider factors such as recording time, whether you need an internet feed, and whether you need audio. The location of the camera will depend on what you hope to see. For example, to catch a glimpse of a car thief's face, position the camera on the dashboard facing the driver's seat. If you want to monitor the back seat, place the camera somewhere in the back of the front seats. Disguise the camera in an object that can be removed from the car, such as sunglass clips, hula girls or bobble-head sculptures on the dashboard, or large objects hanging from the rearview mirror.

Hide in objects like sunglasses, sculptures, or fuzzy dice

When hiding a spy camera in your car, it's best to buy the smallest and most portable camera possible. There are hundreds of tiny, battery-operated spy cameras available, including many that are already disguised as other objects.

Consider the following factors when choosing a camera:

• Length of recording time: How much time will you need to capture what you're looking for?
• Internet feed: Do you want to be able to view the footage in real-time?
• Audio: Do you need the camera to record audio?

Generally, the smallest cameras, which are the easiest to hide, will have less power and fewer extra features.

Choose a good location for your camera based on what you want to see. For example, if you want to see the driver's face, position the camera on the dashboard, facing the driver's seat. If you want to monitor the back seat, place the camera somewhere in the back of the front seats.

• Sunglass clips on the overhead flaps: Attach a small camera to the clip of a pair of sunglasses and hang them on the overhead flaps.
• Hulu or bobble-head sculptures on the dashboard: Place a small camera inside a small sculpture and position it on the dashboard.
• Fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror: Conceal a camera inside a large object like fuzzy dice, which are unlikely to be moved by passengers.
• Reusable trash bags hanging behind the front seats: Hang a reusable trash bag behind the front seats and place a camera inside it.

Remember to test the camera to ensure it's capturing the desired view. Take some test footage or perform a test feed, and adjust the camera as needed to get the right angle and height.

Hide in the car itself, like in a seat cushion or dashboard

Hiding a spy camera in your car can be tricky, but there are a few places you can try to ensure it stays hidden and discreet. Here are some detailed suggestions for hiding a spy camera in the car itself, such as in a seat cushion or dashboard:

Seat Cushion

Hiding a camera in the seat cushion will require some work, but it will be worth it for the discreet and secure placement. Try hollowing out a space within the cushion itself and placing the camera inside. To disguise the modification, use a seat cover made of a translucent, stretchy fabric. This will allow the camera to see through the fabric while also concealing the hollowed-out area.

Dashboard

The dashboard is another good option for hiding a spy camera, especially if you want to capture the driver's area to track potential theft. Choose a small, compact camera that can be easily disguised as a regular item, such as a power bank, USB, alarm clock, or car remote. This way, the camera blends in with the dashboard and is less likely to be noticed. Ensure the camera is directed at the driver's seat to get the desired footage.

Inside Vents or Speakers

Hiding a camera inside the car's vents or speakers can be a tricky process, but it is another secure option. The small size of the camera will be advantageous here, allowing for easy concealment. You may need to seek professional help for this installation, as it requires careful modification of the car's interior components.

Under the Seat

Another option is to place the camera under the seat, either attached to the underside or hidden within a small gap or compartment. This method ensures the camera is out of sight and won't be easily noticed. Just ensure the camera's angle and focus are correct, capturing the desired area of the car.

Centre Console

The centre console or glove compartment can also be a discreet place to hide a spy camera. Place the camera within these compartments, ensuring it is directed towards the area you wish to monitor. This method keeps the camera hidden while still allowing for a clear view of the car's interior.

Remember to test the camera's positioning and ensure it meets your surveillance requirements. It is also crucial to respect privacy and safety considerations when installing a spy camera in your car.

Disguise as a birdhouse

Disguising a spy camera as a birdhouse is a great way to hide it in plain sight. This method is especially effective if you already have a birdhouse in your garden, as it will not attract any attention.

To turn your birdhouse into a covert security measure, you will need to drill a small hole for the camera lens. Place the camera inside the birdhouse, ensuring that the lens is aligned with the hole, and make sure that birds can still access the house as they did before. This setup will provide shelter for your camera equipment and an elevated vantage point for monitoring your whole garden.

When choosing a camera for this purpose, consider a small, wireless option with night vision capabilities. This will allow you to capture clear footage without the need for a bulky setup. Additionally, look for a camera with a long battery life or solar panels to minimise maintenance.

It is important to note that while hiding security cameras can be beneficial, you should also be mindful of legal considerations. Ensure that your camera is only capturing footage of your own property and is not pointed towards public areas or your neighbour's property.

Hide in plain sight with camera skins

When it comes to hiding a spy camera in your car, one of the best methods is to disguise the camera by using camera skins. This approach, also known as "hiding in plain sight," involves blending the camera seamlessly into its surroundings, making it virtually invisible to anyone who doesn't know it's there. Here are some tips for effectively using camera skins to hide your spy camera in your car:

Choose the Right Camera:

Start by selecting a small, portable, and discreet spy camera. The smaller the camera, the easier it will be to conceal. Look for a camera with features that suit your specific needs, such as battery operation, motion detection, night vision, and audio recording.

Select the Right Skin:

Camera skins are available in various colours and textures designed to mimic different environments. Choose a skin that closely resembles the interior of your car. For example, if you plan to place the camera on the dashboard, consider a skin that resembles the texture and colour of your dashboard material.

Consider Placement:

Think about the best location for your camera to capture the desired footage. Common areas to hide a spy camera in a car include the dashboard, rearview mirror, or back of the front seats. Ensure the camera is positioned securely and won't be easily knocked over or moved.

Test and Adjust:

Once you've placed your camera with its skin, test the footage to ensure it's capturing the desired view. Make any necessary adjustments to the camera angle or focus, being mindful of any sounds that might alert passengers to its presence.

Maintain Discretion:

Remember to keep your spy camera and its recordings secure and only accessible to you. Be cautious about who you tell about the camera's presence, as you don't want word getting out and potentially tipping off any would-be thieves or vandals.

By following these steps and utilising camera skins effectively, you can create a stealthy surveillance system in your car that goes unnoticed by all but the most discerning eyes.

Place behind glass windows

Placing a spy camera behind the glass windows of your car is an excellent way to keep it hidden from view while still monitoring the interior of your vehicle. This setup provides several advantages over other hiding places.

Firstly, a camera positioned behind a glass window can capture footage without drawing attention to itself, making it ideal for discreetly monitoring the car's interior. This is especially useful if you want to keep an eye on who is using your car and their activities without them feeling watched.

Secondly, a window-mounted camera is less likely to be tampered with or vandalised. Its placement behind the glass makes it more challenging to access and protects it from potential damage.

When choosing a camera for this purpose, consider selecting a wireless, battery-powered model with night vision capabilities. This eliminates the need to deal with power cords and helps counteract issues with reflections and limited night vision. Additionally, ensure the camera is small enough to fit discreetly behind the window without obstructing your view.

To further enhance the concealment of your camera, you can consider using a camera disguise or skin that blends in with the car's interior. For example, you could disguise the camera as a smoke detector or incorporate it into a decorative plant. Just make sure the disguise does not obstruct the camera's lens or compromise its functionality.

Before installing a spy camera in your car, it is important to familiarise yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding privacy and consent. While it is generally legal to have a hidden camera in your vehicle, you should avoid placing it in areas where privacy is expected, such as directly facing the driver or passengers. Always use your camera responsibly and respect the privacy of others.

Frequently asked questions