Living during the Cold War would have had many espionage agents heading for their nearest spy shop in London and a recent BBC report suggest how spies lived during the Cold War in London and the spy technology used.

Living the Spy Life

According to the BBC report, a handbook that was handed out to would be communist spies during the Cold War has recently come to light and it sets out the spy regimes and spy equipment that they used. Any would-be communist spy heading to the UK’s capital would have been hard pressed to find spy equipment as technologically advanced as it is today if they headed to the first spy shop in London that they happened across but the recently discovered communist spying handbook certainly gives and interesting insight into their spying policies.

Spy Shop in London – Red Square

Spy equipment and technology has certainly come on leaps and bounds since the Cold War era as is highlighted by the very antiquated guide of London life that was handed out to Communist spies heading to our nation’s capital city; there isn’t a single mention of hidden cameras, bugging devices, counter surveillance principles or even where to find the nearest spy shop in London for when they arrived. According to the report on the BBC, the Communist manifesto on how to fit in and be a good spy in London focused more on how not to stand out and where was a good place to conduct shady spy business. Finding a spy shop in London wasn’t a priority for these Cold War spies as the technology hadn’t really become as cutting edge as it is today and they probably would have had to make do with a pair of novelty x-ray specs.

Spy Shop in London – Tricks of the Trade

According to the report on the BBC, in lieu of there being a well stocked spy shop in London, Communist spies had to rely on techniques that were unlikely to make their way into any James Bond films. As spy technology was at a premium in these days, Communists spies were advised to join the AA upon arriving in London, as they offer free representation in court and ensure that you carried expensive looking luggage so as not to be turned away from the hotels. As spy technology goes, this really isn’t up to the standards of the super-sleuths seen today but times change.

Looking for a Spy Shop in London? Head to Spy Equipment UK

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 .