A mall visitor reported finding a concealed video-recording device in a second-floor unisex bathroom on the afternoon of Saturday, December 6. The restroom is located down the hallway across from Spencer’s and Journeys. According to the individual who discovered it -identified publicly as “AC” - the device was hidden beneath a diaper-changing dispenser, attached with double-sided tape, and connected to a portable USB power bank.
AC claimed that the camera appeared to be a small wireless recording device that could allow a suspect to monitor footage remotely. “It didn’t look like it was recording there. It looked like it was most likely wireless, so they could have been on their phone, laptop, here in the parking lot, or even at home,” he said. He immediately notified mall security at approximately 4:29pm, and security personnel secured the device until Carlsbad Police arrived and collected it as evidence.
AC expressed deep concern for community members who may have unknowingly been recorded -including children - and said he intends to press charges if a suspect is identified. “Not for my own sake. It is more of a concern for the people. Families, kids… anybody who went into that restroom,” he told the outlet. “I do feel like this person would deserve prison time for this.”
Carlsbad Police confirmed that the case has now been forwarded to detectives for further investigation. A department spokesperson acknowledged community alarm and said police want to “reassure the community” that the incident is being reviewed thoroughly. No suspects have been identified, and investigators have not yet disclosed whether any footage was recovered from the device.
The SanDiegoVille newsroom has contacted The Shoppes at Carlsbad for comment - including confirmation of protocols enacted after the discovery and whether the mall intends to alert the public - but the property’s ownership group has not responded as of publication.
The incident comes just months after the mall was sold for $71.5 million to Steerpoint Capital and SteelWave, who announced plans for substantial reinvestments, including upgraded entrances, seating, and restrooms. With occupancy hovering around 74% at the time of sale, the new owners are working to revitalize the mall - now forced to confront a serious security concern at a moment when public confidence is essential.
The case echoes a troubling pattern of hidden-camera incidents across San Diego County. In 2024, Oceanside police investigated a concealed CCTV device found inside the restroom of Dominic’s Italian Restaurant, where victims later learned that a juvenile employee had allegedly filmed more than 100 unsuspecting patrons, including minors. Earlier this year, female emergency responders at El Cajon Fire Station 8 discovered covert cameras inside the quarters where they changed and slept—triggering legal action and allegations that authorities failed to conduct a thorough investigation.
Hidden surveillance devices have become increasingly affordable and increasingly common in voyeurism cases across the country, often disguised as everyday objects like chargers, hooks, smoke detectors, and dispensers. Investigations typically involve forensic testing, analysis of power sources and wireless connectivity, and review of surrounding security footage to determine when and by whom devices were installed.
Authorities urge anyone who used the second-floor restrooms near Spencer’s and Journeys on or around December 6, or who may have seen suspicious activity in that hallway, to contact Carlsbad Police immediately.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new details emerge.
Originally published on December 8, 2025.