Hidden camera found inside Ontario Tim Hortons bathroom
An Ontario woman is issuing a warning after she says a hidden camera was found inside a Tim Hortons restaurant.
Hamilton resident Emily Hasler told CTV News Toronto her sister found the camera around 11 a.m. on Sept. 22 at a Tim Hortons, located at 30 Queenston Road, when she was with her young child.
“After my niece finished going to the bathroom, my sister-in-law was cleaning her up and noticed that there was a camera hidden in the corner,” she said.
A phone had allegedly been placed in a pile of garbage, with a slight opening around the camera. She said the phone was attached to a battery pack, which could have allowed the camera to operate for a longer period of time.
Photos posted to Facebook show the phone was placed in an empty Tim Hortons cup, with what appears to be tissue paper on top.
Hasler said the restaurant manager was informed and that a security camera showed what appeared to be a male entering the bathroom with the device.
“The men's bathroom was closed for plumbing issues,” Hasler said. “I guess they were having the men use the women's bathroom, which I guess would be the time when the guy got in there unnoticed.”
A phone with a camera is seen in a garbage pile at an east-end Hamilton Tim Horton's. (Emily Hasler)
Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident and said when officers attended the scene, the cellphone was still recording. Officers seized the cell phone as evidence.
“It's scary for any individual to find a cell phone in such a vulnerable area,” Hamilton Police Cst. Indy Bharaj said.
The investigation is ongoing, police said. No charges have been laid and there are no suspects at this point in time.
“It’s just like a violation,” Hasler said. “You just feel disgusting after that.”
“You don't know it wasn't streaming. Was it just recording? We don't know.”
Hasler said the east-end coffee shop is near an elementary school, and by the end of the day there are usually a lot of students inside buying treats and beverages.
The family is now issuing a warning to others to be mindful of their surroundings.
“I go to the bathroom all the time. I don't think, ‘Hey, should I look around for a camera?’ But the reality is that there are sick people out there.”
CTV News Toronto contacted Tim Hortons for comment but has not received a response.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.