Mum blasts CCTV in baby changing
Amy Mitchell says she feels violated after the discovery
A West Lothian mum has told how she feels ‘violated’ after discovering a CCTV camera inside a baby changing toilet.
Amy Mitchell, 24, has hit out at Livingston Designer Outlet, claiming there was no warning of the cameras inside the loos.
The mum only discovered a warning sign on the back of the door as she went to leave the facility, which is close to the VUE cinema.
Amy has demanded an apology from the shopping centre as she felt her concerns were brushed aside when she raised them to management.
Livingston Designer Outlet stated that they are aware of the ‘concerns raised regarding the location of CCTV installations within the centre’ and are now reviewing the use of their CCTV within the premises.
It is understood that the CCTV had been installed to try to deter youths from vandalising and acting antisocially within the baby change facilities at the shopping centre. Amy said: “I took my little boy into the changing facility and it wasn’t until after I had left that I saw the CCTV notice and camera. I contacted the designer outlet’s customer service, and the lady put me through to the deputy manager.
“I spoke with him on the phone briefly before he came down to speak to me face to face as I was that angry. The deputy manager told me the camera is there to monitor antisocial behaviour by teenagers who have been wrecking the baby change facilities and attacking the outlet staff.
“I told him I still didn’t think it was reason enough to have a camera in a baby change. I added that the camera would be better outside the facility as it captures the same thing.
“I also suggested a key instead of the camera and was told it was ‘a very 1920’s thing to do.’ I told the deputy manager I would not be letting this lie and that it’s totally unacceptable to have a camera in there.
“There is also a mirror on the back of the door which the camera points to and the baby change is on the same wall, so you can more than likely see a reflection. I was given petty excuses and no apology.
“I felt disgusted that my son had been in that baby change and I just felt totally violated by the whole situation as I’m sure many other parents do too.”
Amy posted her incident on Facebook and urged others to boycott the loos.
A spokesperson for Livingston Designer Outlet said: “We are aware of concerns raised regarding the location of CCTV installations within the centre.
“We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all our visitors and staff and are reviewing any concerns raised regarding the use of CCTV.”
Police officers in West Lothian carried out an investigation into the CCTV cameras and found that “no crime” had been established.
A Police Scotland West Lothian spokesperson said: “With regard to recent concerns on social media about CCTV cameras within the baby changing area at the Livingston Designer Outlet, please be advised that officers carried out enquiries and found that the cameras did not cover any private areas.
“No crime has been established, and advice and assistance has been given.”