By Ivan Pereira
Ever want to be like James Bond, walking around with the coolest gadgets available?
A new store in Jamaica promises to have everything for a person’s spy fix and then some. The Queens Spy Shop’s new location, at 160-01 Hillside Ave., has more than 300 items for surveillance, storage and other uses, according to manager Alladin Ali.
Ali, who owns another spy store in East Elmhurst, said his shops usually attract people suspicious of their significant other, but there are other ways he can serve customers.
“We specialize in catching cheating spouses, but we’re expanding,” he said.
Most of the store’s merchandise deals with surveillance. High-tech security cameras for businesses and homes are available for demonstrations and purchase.
The devices range from the usual corner plastic camera to the less conspicuous 360-degree, glass variety that can store up to 30 days of footage on a hard drive that can be viewed on a computer.
Saleswoman Caroline Jose said several business owners have come to the store to find a way to beef up their security.
“We warn people that things may be expensive, but we make deals,” she said.
Some of its surveillance equipment is subtler than the corner camera. The store sells a wide variety of hidden camera and recording equipment, such as ones hidden inside watches, pens and car keys.
The secret lenses are not the only hidden treasures in the store, according to Ali. The Queens Spy Shop also specializes in hidden stash safes for people who want to keep their valuables discreet.
There are specialized containers disguised as everyday household items such as Coke bottles, toys and potato chip containers. Ali said these products are perfect for people who are on vacation and would like to take their valuables with them.
“The good thing about these stashes is that you can put anything you want in them,” he said.
Ali reiteratedthat all of his products are legal to use and he only sells them to qualified adults. He also added that the devices work and are novel enough to make the customer feel cool while secure.
“Everything here is fresh,” he said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
