How to Disable CCTV

Disabling surveillance cameras can hide your identity, but not your presence. The person watching the camera may know that you are there, just not what you are doing. You can disable the camera in the dark with an LED light, an infrared laser during the day/night, or cover the camera’s lens.

Table of Contents

By LEDs

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Shine a strong LED (light-emitting diode) directly at the camera lens. The brighter the flashlight, the more efficient it will be. It is recommended that you use a small device that is easy to carry in your pocket. This method only really works in the dark, so save it for sneaky excursions at night or in enclosed spaces. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Cover with light. Precisely locate the camera and shine the light directly on the lens. This technique, when done correctly, creates a flash of light that is almost impossible to identify through the camera. ^{[2] X Research Source} This is not wise, however, as a sudden flash of light will alert your supervisor to your presence. But anyway, at least bright lights can cover your face.

By infrared laser light

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Shine the infrared laser light directly into the camera lens. This method is more sophisticated than the one above, but it requires a lot of precision. If the laser dot misses the lens for even a second, the camera will catch your face. Act quickly and efficiently to avoid detection. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

This method can be applied during the day and at night (more effective in the dark). ^{[4] X Research Sources}
You can use any normal laser pointer. In general, the stronger the laser, the more effective it is.

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You need to know the downsides. The camera can see you until the laser is aligned in the right direction. The camera can immediately capture an image if there is any obstruction between the laser beam and the lens. In addition, the effectiveness of this method is a bit difficult to assess. It is not possible to tell if the laser is properly aligned when viewed from your side.

Do not shine the laser beam into the eyes. You can go blind! ^{[5] X Trusted Source US Occupational Safety and Health Administration Go to source} Consider wearing dark glasses to protect your vision, however the risk remains.

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Beware of other cameras. Since this method requires concentration, you can only disable a camera with a laser pen. While lasers are much more sophisticated than LEDs or flashlights, their effectiveness is limited. If you need to disable multiple cameras at the same time, you need to prepare the corresponding number of laser pens. Consider teaming up with friends.

Cover the camera lens

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Apply wax to the lens. Apply Vaseline or a waxy substance to the camera lens to blur the image. If necessary, try using sticky and easy to spread foods like butter, jam, and peanut butter. You need to cover the entire surface of the lens. Be careful not to get caught while approaching the camera!

Be careful not to leave fingerprints on the camera! You may not be recognized, but people can still identify you through other evidence you leave behind.

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Stick the tape on the lens. Use black/silver tape, paper tape, or any other non-transparent. You have to stick it all over the recording device! Remember to cover your face to avoid being recognized when approaching the camera.

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Cover the entire camera. If it’s urgent, just cover the view of the camera with a larger object. Try gluing/tying a plastic bag or cloth to the lens. Obstruct the view of the camera with a barrier, board or furniture.

If you don’t have anything on hand, you can cover the camera with a shirt or scarf. If you have to leave clothing on the device, make sure it won’t be able to expose you.

Advice

More simply, you can disguise. If hiding your identity is more important than being discovered, you can manage by covering your face. Wear dark glasses, terrorist masks, or other face coverings.

Warning

Bright enough infrared rays can cause blindness!
These devices can activate some infrared-based fire detectors.
Filters can render your method invalid. In fact, not all cameras are sensitive to infrared rays.
The above methods may not work with flash cameras.
Note: it’s not illegal to hide your identity from surveillance cameras, but crime and illegal behavior are another matter. Be alert, cautious, and smart about your own behavior. We only have one chance. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Steps

By LEDs

By infrared laser light

Cover the camera lens

Advice

Warning

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