The covert nature of a camera hidden in foliage, on a book shelf, in a wrist watch or in anything that disguises the device completely, seems a little too far fetch to be used in a simple domestic location. The very utterance of the words Hidden Camera brings to mind images of Cold War old boys and their gadgets, and backrooms with a solitary video technician observing the pictures coming from the other side of the wall. However, this is not necessarily the case.

It is not difficult to find boxes emblazoned with the words "Secret Agent Spy Cameras" in toy shops, with young boys obviously excited to act out an imaginative part in that secretive world. However, the availability of real and quite sophisticated cameras for everyday use in homes, and of course retail areas, is in no way secret. In fact, the spy clock on the mantelpiece is not as obscure a thing as once thought.

There are many reasons why a home owner might think that a secret recording device is needed. Heirlooms of considerable value may be seen as too tempting for the house cleaner to ignore. In the time pressured modern world, where both spouses work to afford a comfortable lifestyle, it is not unusual to hire a cleaner. However, it can be difficult to be in the home when she arrives. For the sake of peace of mind alone, a surveillance camera may be desired.

If it seems a little unfair, it is worth noting that such steps are precautionary, with rarely any event happening to warrant actually using the footage. However, if the diamond necklace that grandmother bequeathed is to remain safe, security measures need to be taken, especially when household staff are new or not very well known.

It is also a reality of modern living that a nanny be hired to look after children. Since many of the nannies hired are strangers to the family, it is understandable that there would be initial concerns over their treatment of the children. Nannies are required to have background checks, but these are sometimes not performed in as thorough a manner as they should be.

The bottom line, of course, is that parents have the right to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the well being of their children, making secret surveillance necessary.

Perhaps the most obvious reason is the desire to provide extra security for valuables in the off chance that the home security system is breached. Cameras can be installed in rooms where that antique original oil painting is hanging, or solid gold candle sticks stand, or even where the house safe is located, to record any intruder that may arrive to burgle the home. By having undetectable cameras cover entry and exit points, it is possible to record the culprit and identify him.

These are just a handful of reasons why secret cameras are used in a home, though the range of camera designs and disguises are just as numerous. For example, a simple digital clock can be placed in the bedroom of the child to observe the behaviour of the nanny when no one else is looking. While it will function perfectly as a clock, a tiny hole in the case houses a lens through which the images are captured.

However, a digital alarm spy clock may look out of place in a luxurious living room, where the set of golden candlesticks is located. A smoke detector on the ceiling would look less conspicuous, so there is an imitation model available. While it seems that the threat of fire is being addressed, in fact, a tiny camera is recording from inside the casing. Most of the cameras also have sound capabilities, as well as motion detectors to reduce footage time to only when there is movement.

Of course, it is always preferable that nothing happens at all, but should there be a situation then catching those guilty in the act can lead to them being arrested and stolen items being recovered. Secret agent style spy cameras may be reserved for the toy shop shelves, with the more modest sounding hidden camera a more suitable title. Regardless of the name, the outcome is the same, with security enhanced for the home, its occupants and their possessions.