Hidden cameras, listening devices, laser tripwire and other spy gadgets

James Bond used to have to wait for Q to dish out the latest secret spy gadgets but now anyone can buy them online. Cameras disguised as clocks, umbrellas or toys are a dream for any budding spy. They switch on silently when they detect motion and record everything on a computer. It sounds like they should not be allowed but they are, and they are easy to get hold of. Same for minute listening devices. Did you hear the cold war stories of spies who bounced lasers off windows to pick up vibrations allowing them to hear anything being said inside a room? That really happened and now you can do it too. Want to be incognito? For that there are devices that change your voice when talking on the phone. And there is no need for those dangerous truth drugs when you have your rival agent tied up. A pocket lie detector will do the trick.

Most powefull of all are the tracking devices. With a GPS system connected up to a mobile phone you can track the location of a small device to within a few meters. Dial a phone number and it will reply with a text holding the co-ordinates. Just make sure you have turned the ringtone off. Devices like this can have a serious use in recovering stolen cars. If you want to catch a burglar in your home, set the video cam so that it takes pictures triggered by any motion. and FTP the snaps to your remote website. It has been done and you should have seen the look on the suspects face when the police showed him the photographic evidence.

Less serious and even more fun are the ranges of spy toys now available for kids. These include "laser" tripwires that sound an alarm if someone enters their bedroom, and of course the hidden microphones to listen in on big sister when she might rather be in private with her friends. Oh yes, endless secret spy fun is just a click away.