Holidaymakers have been warned to check the mirrors in their hotel rooms as experts say that spies use two-way glass to peer in on unsuspecting tourists.
According to professionals, there are some tell-sale signs that mirrors in hotels and B&Bs are more than they seem. Those heading on holidays this spring and summer have been urged to check whether they are really enjoying total privacy while in their room.
Glass and mirror experts are encouraging holidaymakers to use the fingernail test to see if a mirror is two-way or not. Other methods include tapping the glass for a hollow noise and shining a flashlight onto the surface.
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John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass.co.uk, said: “The thought of someone using a mirror to spy on guests is disturbing, to say the least. The good news is there are multiple ways you can check for a two-way mirror when staying in a hotel, motel or B&B. The most common method is the fingernail test but you should also try shining a flashlight onto the mirror. On a normal mirror, the light should bounce back in the reflection, if the mirror is two-way you’ll be able to see straight through.”
According to the experts, there are five simple ways you can check for spy mirrors:
The fingernail test: Place your fingernail onto the mirror, if there is no gap in between your finger and its reflection, it could indicate a two-way mirror. On a regular mirror, there will be a gap between your fingernail and its reflection. The tap test: Noise is a huge factor in identifying whether a mirror is two-way. Give the glass a tap around all four corners and in the centre. If it makes a hollow sound, there’s a high possibility there’s something on the other side. Use a phone flashlight: When you stand and face a mirror, shine a flashlight on the glass and see if the light reflects back at you. If it doesn’t bounce back, then the light will shine through on a two-way mirror to reveal what’s behind the glass. Look at the installation: If the mirror is hanging then it is very unlikely it is a two-way mirror. Two-way mirrors tend to be part of and set into the wall as opposed to just hanging on it. Closely check the reflection: Place your face against the mirror with your hands beside your head, blocking out any light. If the mirror is two-way, you may be able to see straight through.
Two way mirrors are not the only way travellers have been warned that someone could be spying on them. Over the last few years more and more holidaymakers have complained of finding cameras inside their holiday home rentals. Paying for an entire property can be a handy way of going away with total privacy – however, the risk of being filmed is putting some people off.
One holidaymaker took to Twitter to share his concern after finding a ‘creepy’ hidden camera in his Airbnb’s living room. People were quick to weigh in and argue it was an invasion of his privacy. If you find a camera recording you in a bedroom, shower room or toilet then you should absolutely report it to the police and the rental agency – such as Airbnb or booking.com – as this breaks both law and policies. This is because “it is illegal to record anyone without their consent in places where there is an expectation of privacy.”
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Categories: Travel
