Camera Found Under Desk Sparks Outrage At London University

Students at Queen Mary University of London were left horrified last week when security staff discovered a camera placed under a desk in the Graduate Centre on the Mile End campus. The shocking incident has raised serious concerns amongst students about their safety and privacy.

According to reports, the camera was found during routine checks by university security personnel. This covert recording device had been filming students without their knowledge or consent. There were rising fears among students that such cameras might have been secretly installed to film under their skirts.

On March 24, 2025, the university confirmed the incident, stating that security colleagues had found the camera and immediately removed it. Fortunately, the device did not contain a memory card and was not connected to any other external devices. Following the discovery, security conducted scans of study spaces across the university and reported no additional devices were found.

A spokesperson for Queen Mary University of London said, “This week, security colleagues found a camera under a desk in one of our student areas. They immediately removed the camera, which did not contain a memory card and was not connected to any other device. No other devices were found following a scan of study spaces across the University, which we continue to monitor. The safety and security of our Queen Mary community is our number one priority, and we continue to investigate this serious matter thoroughly.”

Students expressed their profound shock and outrage at the incident. Many voiced feelings of vulnerability and distress, noting that such incidents can severely undermine their sense of safety within educational environments. The idea that someone could exploit such an intrusion into their personal space has left many students feeling unsettled.

In light of the incident, the university has been proactive in addressing the situation. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway to determine how this breach of security occurred and to ensure that such events do not happen again in the future. The university has emphasized its commitment to safeguarding students’ welfare and privacy.

The spokesperson added that the university is dedicated to providing support to both students and staff, offering services like a 24/7 wellbeing helpline and access to counseling. This has been particularly important as many students seek reassurance and guidance in the aftermath of this unsettling incident.

The university’s commitment to the safety of its community must now lead to concrete actions. Beyond investigating this incidence, it may require heightened surveillance measures, a thorough review of security protocols, and engaging with students on how to improve campus safety effectively.

As the university leadership seeks answers, students are urged to report any further suspicious activities, ensuring vigilance within their community. The incident has sparked discussions among students about body autonomy, consent, and privacy rights, further highlighting the need for awareness and education on these issues.

This incident at Queen Mary University of London serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many educational institutions face in maintaining safe environments for their students. It underscores the critical importance of security measures and the need for ongoing dialogue and support related to privacy and safety.

Many hope that by facing these issues directly and implementing robust solutions, the university can begin to restore a sense of safety and trust within its student community.