Do you pay attention to what’s around you when you’re in a dressing room?

Chances are you're probably too distracted looking at your potential new ensemble in the mirror. 

However, there is a creepy new way for predators to spy on people, and it's in the perceived safety of a private changing cubicle.

Next time you’re in a changing room, be aware of your surroundings and pay special attention to the coat hangers on the wall.

Hidden cameras have been disguised inside coat hangers and stuck to the walls of changing-rooms.

The device can be bought online for about €30-€40 and can be mounted in a public place to film unsuspecting members of the public.

Last year, police in Florida warned the public that these hooks had been found on walls in three public toilets around the state, according to The Mail Online.

The Florida Keys sheriff said at the time: "Anyone who has a public restroom on their property needs to check them closely."

"If you find anything suspicious you think might contain a hidden camera, don't touch it. Call us right away and we will respond."

"Keep in mind, though, that these are very small cameras that can be mounted in many locations and hidden in many seemingly every-day items."

Common spots for hidden cameras are inside dressing rooms, hotel rooms, and public bathrooms.

Private investigator Carrie Kerskie told NBC : "Nowadays, with the advances in technology, all you need to do is insert a MicroSD card. 

"The battery life for these coat hooks, I looked it up, is two hours.

"Then, you just take it out, pop it in the computer, and you have all your images", she said.

These cameras are widely available online, sold as “security devices” in buy and sell groups and online marketplaces.

Similar devices, such as fake smoke alarms and digital alarm clocks can also be fitted with cameras.

Apps have been developed that can detect the presence of a hidden camera but these are not always 100 per cent reliable.

Voyeurism is a criminal offence in the UK and offenders who are caught can serve up to two years in jail.  But in Ireland there is no specific law to punish voyeurism.

Recently, a 21-year-old McDonalds’ employee Luke Whiting who had installed a hidden camera in the female toilets was caught after a female colleague spotted the device, according to The Metro.

He has since been banned from the restaurant chain.

We'll be covering any hangers we see with our coats from now on…

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!