A birthday visit to Balboa Park took a disturbing turn for one out-of-town guest, who says she spotted a hidden camera inside the public restroom of a neighborhood market in Bankers Hill. Shaken and angry, she left the bathroom, called for help, and kicked off a police investigation that has locals asking how safe their so-called “private” moments really are.
The visitor, Rabecca Johnston, said she noticed “a box on a shelf with a hole cut out,” started recording the strange setup on her phone, then “put the camera in my back pocket” before stepping out and dialing 911. “There was a pit in my stomach,” she told reporters. The device, described as doorbell‑like and pinging when pressed, was highlighted in coverage by 10News.
Police Investigate
The San Diego Police Department confirmed it is investigating “a report of a camera found hidden in a public restroom of a business on the 2200 block of 1st street,” and an officer was sent to the scene a few hours after the device was discovered. As of now, police have not said whether any footage was captured or identified a suspect. The department’s statement was shared publicly through 10News.
Market Response And Shopper Reaction
According to the reporter at the scene, staff at the Bankers Hill market declined to comment on the device. Shoppers, along with Johnston’s companion, described feeling disturbed and urged others to stay alert, especially women using public restrooms. As of this report, the market’s management had not released any public statement about the incident.
Not An Isolated Problem
San Diego and greater Southern California have seen similar cases in recent months. A hidden camera was reportedly tucked under a diaper kit dispenser in a unisex bathroom at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, according to NBC 7 San Diego. In Los Angeles, a device found in a Kaiser Permanente hospital restroom sparked a police probe and a lawsuit, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. Those incidents have triggered broader questions about how often restrooms are checked for hidden cameras and who is actually responsible for doing those sweeps.
Legal Consequences
Under California law, secretly recording someone in a private space such as a bathroom is illegal. Penal Code 647(j) treats this type of invasion of privacy as a misdemeanor that can bring up to six months in county jail and fines, according to Shouse Law. In some situations, federal video‑voyeurism laws may also apply. Victims are not limited to criminal remedies; they can also pursue civil claims.
How To Spot Hidden Cameras
Security pros suggest a few quick checks for anyone who feels uneasy in a hotel room, rental, or public restroom. Shine a flashlight across suspicious objects to catch the small lens reflection, take a closer look at items like clocks, smoke detectors, or tissue boxes, and scan for unfamiliar Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth devices. Tools such as network‑scanning apps or RF detectors can help, although none are guaranteed to catch everything, experts told CNBC. If anything seems out of place, step away and alert staff or law enforcement.
If You Find One
Investigators say resist the urge to smash the device. Instead, photograph it where it is, then leave it in place so officers can collect it properly. In the Carlsbad mall case, security staff took custody of the camera as evidence, and a detective was assigned, according to NBC 7 San Diego. Report anything suspicious directly to the police and, if you feel unsafe, ask employees to secure the area.
San Diego police are continuing to investigate the Bankers Hill incident and are asking anyone who may have witnessed anything at the market to contact the department. For visitors and locals alike, the case is an unsettling reminder that it pays to stay alert, even in the most ordinary of public spaces.
