Winnipeg woman shocked by peeper in Old Navy change room
Police are investigating a disturbing incident in the changing room of an Old Navy store in south Winnipeg.
It happened Tuesday at about 11:20 a.m. at the clothing store near St. Vital Shopping Centre.
Police spokesperson Const. Jason Michalyshen said the 42-year-old woman was trying on clothes when she looked up.
"She observed what appeared to be a cellular device or a device that appeared to be recording her over top of the change room, so from above her change room," he said.
The woman had noticed a man in the dressing room next to her before going in, Michalyshen added.
"He was chased by staff but managed to get away," the woman, who did not want to be identified, posted on her Facebook page.
"I have a 20-year-old daughter. This should not have happened to me, but I can't imagine what might have happened if it happened to her. It's wrong, illegal, upsetting, and a violation of privacy."
It's not known if the man captured any photographs or video. Police are looking over surveillance footage, interviewing staff and the woman.
'I would feel violated'
The incident has shocked people who shop and work in the area.
"It's pretty scary," said Belinda Wiebe-Friesen. "All of these change rooms here — and most places — are open on the top so, you know, anybody can look in."
Wiebe-Friesen said she always tells her daughters to be aware of their surroundings, especially given the popularity of smartphone cameras.
Matthew Hebert, who works nearby, said he's surprised to hear something like that has happened in the area.
"I would feel violated," he said.
"They're filming it, right? And there's a lot of creeps out there these days, so they could be doing some weird stuff with it I have no idea about."
Concerns about hidden cameras in Winnipeg arose in 2012 when a swimming instructor at Seven Oaks Pool discovered a pen-shaped spy camera recording her inside a women's staff change room.