Bugging a residential address

[Petrus1983]

Just looking for some advice as I know there's a few knowledgeable people in this forum. A good friend of mine is going through a bad separation (with 2 daughters 15 & 10) but information that her ex should never have known has now been used as threats against her. After distrusting family and friends and becoming paranoid she's found a device -



I've found it on Amazon for £15.

But what are the legalities surround bugging someone's house - and entering the property to charge it/swap it using a key they shouldn't have.

Thanks in advance as ever.

[LosingGrip]

Could be seen as stalking/harassment. Alarming to say the least.

Contact the police. Explain the full circumstances about a breakup and listening devices being found in the house.

https://www.stalkingawareness.org/definition-faqs/...

Edited by LosingGrip on Sunday 9th February 20:28

[Petrus1983]

LosingGrip said:

Could be seen as stalking/harassment. Alarming to say the least.

Contact the police. Explain the full circumstances about a breakup and listening devices being found in the house.

Thanks - it's weird as I can't find anything specifically about it. She does want to contact the police but I'm seeing if she can go with some more knowledge. Where's Croyde when you need him!!

[Petrus1983]

Thanks for the edit - I've sent it to her.

[LosingGrip]

Petrus1983 said:

Thanks - it's weird as I can't find anything specifically about it. She does want to contact the police but I'm seeing if she can go with some more knowledge. Where's Croyde when you need him!!

Ah my edit didn't happen quick enough.

https://www.stalkingawareness.org/definition-faqs/...

Also this.

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-or-...

Having dealt with a number of domestics over the years, this is worrying behaviour being displayed.

Your friend can also look at a non molestion order. National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) can help.

https://www.ncdv.org.uk/

We refer people to them daily and they are fantastic.

Edited by LosingGrip on Sunday 9th February 20:35

[Petrus1983]

Thank you LosingGrip - I'm sending this to her and she's very appreciative.

[LosingGrip]

Petrus1983 said:

Thank you LosingGrip - I'm sending this to her and she's very appreciative.

No worries! Another little edit about NCDV on there.

[Petrus1983]

LosingGrip said:

No worries! Another little edit about NCDV on there.

Legend - thank you! She's meeting her mum in the morning to discuss! But she's genuinely grateful.

[Paulm4]

Would it be worth considering changing the locks too, if she suspects someone has a key that shouldn't have?

[LosingGrip]

Paulm4 said:

Would it be worth considering changing the locks too, if she suspects someone has a key that shouldn't have?

Absolutely.

There are a few apps that are worth looking at as well.

Hollie Guard- Free (but also seen they do a membership version). Designed by the father of someone who was killed by their stalker and ex partner. I've got it along with my partner and parents/siblings do as well.

Life360 - Can set up circles. Again my partner and I have it. Useful so those in your circle can see where you are. My partner has an ex husband who is a (and was stalking her until I moved in). Made her feel more comfortable. Again can pay. (Downside...it shows how fast you are driving...that gets me in trouble when she sees a blue light run!).

[swampy442]

I don't have any advice or help to offer I just wanted to say, that's creepy as st!

Edited by swampy442 on Monday 10th February 04:29

[Alex Z]

Might be worth having another thorough search for more devices.
If someone has had access to the premises then there’s a chance they will have left multiple behind.

[Time4another]

Putting it back and installing a camera would be my thoughts. Catch them bang to rights. Even changing the locks and catching them trying to enter the property.

[mikebradford]

Time4another said:

Putting it back and installing a camera would be my thoughts. Catch them bang to rights. Even changing the locks and catching them trying to enter the property.

The camera would ne my first choice
As he can simply deny installing the device
However entering to update the recording device would surely get him arrested

[LosingGrip]

Trouble with catching him in the act is, it puts the victim at risk if he knows that the victim has located the devices.

If the job came to me, I'd be doing the following. (I am a PC so not just talking bks).

Looking to arrest on suspicion of stalking.
Search of suspects house for other similar devices.
Phones seized/laptop/PCs seized to look for audio files.
CPS advice with bail conditions to safeguard the victim.

In the background refer the victim to NCDV and for a non molestation order to be issued. (Done via the family courts and fairly easy to get).

Whilst a conviction may not happen, it should safeguard the victim and hopefully stop the suspect.

[blueg33]

I'd be amazed if the police do anything. My daughter found a hidden camera in her bathroom recording her and her female housemates. We are now 18 month since it was reported, and the police admit that they haven't even looked at the evidence on the camera yet. They arrested the perpetrator, but that is all. Nothing else. The perpetrator is still free to share student houses and halls with females.

[LosingGrip]

blueg33 said:

I'd be amazed if the police do anything. My daughter found a hidden camera in her bathroom recording her and her female housemates. We are now 18 month since it was reported, and the police admit that they haven't even looked at the evidence on the camera yet. They arrested the perpetrator, but that is all. Nothing else. The perpetrator is still free to share student houses and halls with females.

Sadly there are delays along the way. Digital forensics is one. I waited a year for a phone to be downloaded. In the end it got shipped to a third party company to speed it up (it still took another six months).

Jobs are assessed on threat, risk and harm. Normally those incidents involving indecent images of children, murders, rapes take priority. Not saying its right it's taken 18 months for your daughters case, but sadly due to cut backs over the years cases that should be dealt with quickly can't be.

Might be worth a complaint/email though to see what is happening? The OIC should be in regular contact even if there isn't an update.

[Byker28i]

Having gone through similar with my daughter, tell the police. She got an order that said he wasn't allowed near the home, near the kids, we fitted cameras which caught him trying to use a key but I'd changed the locks...

The police were very good about the harassment, assault, stalking, coercive behaviour... I'd tell them everything. We kept the police fully involved

[poo at Paul's]

Depending on the type of bug that is, (SIM card) I it maybe a telecommunications act offence too.

[Greendubber]

LosingGrip said:

Trouble with catching him in the act is, it puts the victim at risk if he knows that the victim has located the devices.

If the job came to me, I'd be doing the following. (I am a PC so not just talking bks).

Looking to arrest on suspicion of stalking.
Search of suspects house for other similar devices.
Phones seized/laptop/PCs seized to look for audio files.
CPS advice with bail conditions to safeguard the victim.

In the background refer the victim to NCDV and for a non molestation order to be issued. (Done via the family courts and fairly easy to get).

Whilst a conviction may not happen, it should safeguard the victim and hopefully stop the suspect.

This, all day long. My force takes stalking very seriously, to the point they'll give the victims cameras to set up in their homes.