A hidden camera was found inside the bathroom of Village Discount Outlet, a thrift store in Logan Square, on April 10, according to police and a report obtained by Block Club Chicago.
The discovery has raised concerns about privacy and safety for shoppers at the store. The incident is being investigated as a potential sex offense.
According to the police report, a 33-year-old woman shopping at the store on Sunday afternoon noticed an object resembling a camera pointing at her from under the sink while she used the restroom. The device was wrapped in cardboard and masking tape and attached with duct tape beneath the sink. Her husband retrieved the device, placed it in a clear plastic bag, and informed both store management and police. Officers later collected the camera as evidence.
The woman’s husband told officers he believed there was a memory card inside the device. Police have not commented further due to an ongoing investigation. The incident has been classified as “deceptive practice” for placing video recording equipment in a restroom and coded as “sex offense — criminal sexual abuse.”
Neither of those who discovered the camera responded to requests for comment. A manager present during the incident confirmed assisting with contacting authorities but referred additional questions to corporate officials. Another employee described what happened as “disturbing” but declined further comment.
Adam and Tia Winfield are listed as owners of Village Discount Outlet but did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding this incident. According to its website, Village Discount Outlet operates nine locations within Chicago city limits, one location in suburban Chicago Heights, and another in Hammond, Indiana.
As police continue their investigation into how long the device may have been present or if any footage exists, shoppers await more information about measures that will be taken to ensure customer safety.
