Hidden Camera Found in Village Discount Outlet Bathroom

Police investigating incident at Logan Square thrift store location

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a hidden camera lens, the sole focus of the frame, lit by a harsh, direct flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A hidden camera discovered in a retail store bathroom raises concerns about customer privacy and safety.Chicago Today

Chicago police are investigating after a hidden camera was discovered in the bathroom of a Village Discount Outlet store in the Logan Square neighborhood. The camera was found by a 33-year-old woman shopping at the secondhand clothing and housewares retailer on Sunday. Village Discount Outlet says it is cooperating with authorities and conducting its own review of the incident.

Why it matters

This is the latest in a series of incidents involving hidden cameras found in retail and service businesses across the Chicago area, raising concerns about customer privacy and safety. The discovery at Village Discount Outlet highlights the need for increased security measures and oversight to protect consumers.

The details

According to police, the camera was recovered after the 33-year-old woman found it inside the bathroom at the Village Discount Outlet location on the 2000 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square. The store is one of 10 Village Discount Outlet locations in the Chicago area. In a statement, the retailer said it is fully cooperating with the police investigation and conducting its own internal review, though no confirmed findings have been shared with the store as of Friday.

  • The camera was discovered by a customer on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Village Discount Outlet posted a statement about the incident on its social media channels on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Village Discount Outlet

A secondhand clothing and housewares retailer with 10 locations across the Chicago area.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the discovery of the hidden camera at the Village Discount Outlet store.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're aware of a recent concern reported at one of our stores. We take the safety and privacy of our customers and team very seriously.”

— Village Discount Outlet

What’s next

Police are continuing their investigation into the hidden camera incident at the Village Discount Outlet store. The retailer says it is cooperating fully with authorities and conducting its own internal review.

The takeaway

The discovery of a hidden camera in the bathroom of a local thrift store is the latest in a troubling trend of similar incidents across the Chicago area, underscoring the need for businesses to prioritize customer privacy and safety through enhanced security measures and oversight.