When Gerry Adams had his car bugged in 1999 the tracking device revealed a growing market for spy equipment.

The discovery of a bugging device in Gerry Adams car eight years ago was said to jeopardize the Northern Ireland peace process. But whether it's the Northern Ireland troubles or checking what your wife is up to, spy equipment and spy shops are increasingly big business. The proliferation of cheap high-tech spy equipment and advances in technology all mean the surveillance industry has the right gadget for you.

Spy equipment - big boy's toy shop

The range of spy equipment on sale today is like a toy shop for wannabe James Bonds. And now you can buy spy equipment online discreetly and at cheaper than ever prices.

Spy equipment and the latest

Spy equipment on the market today includes:

• A mini bug that measures just 109mm x 54mm x 21mm which lets you listen to conversations anywhere in the world.
• A digital voice recorder built into a stylish stainless steel effect pen that Bond would be proud of.
• A computer keystroke logger - this USB device lets you record all activity on a computer including chatrooms, e-mails and passwords.
• A GPS tracker is the ultimate spy equipment; magnetically mounted it allows you to track any vehicle.

Covert spy equipment

Spy equipment includes tiny cameras, tracking devices and computer logging so you can keep tabs on all private activity. If you're worried about spy equipment being used on you, sweepers can spot bugs and scanning devices. Modern technology means that the most sophisticated covert communication devices and spy equipment is now available.

Who is spying on whom?

Most spy shops or companies that sell spy gadgets are discreet about their clients, but it's thought that general uses for spy equipment include spying on partners and spouses they suspect of having an affair, keeping track on employees and corporate espionage. There is however huge question marks over the infringement of human rights. One employee recently tried to subjugate his staff to DNA testing to find out who stuck a piece of gum on his seat - something that human rights organisations said would have been ridiculous and unethical.

Internet shopping

The popularity of spy shops and buying spy equipment has been put down to the availability of spy equipment online where people can buy what they want without feeling they have to explain the reasons behind their purchases.

If you are looking for spy equipment for whatever reason, Spy Equipment UK has an online shop featuring the latest technology. From sound recorders, phone surveillance, audio surveillance, video surveillance, computer surveillance, tracking devices and counter-surveillance equipment, telephone: +44 (0)24 76 010588 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .