Downtown Spy Store Celebrates Lucky 007

In the spy business, reaching the 007 anniversary is worth celebrating.

That's exactly what downtown Rochester's is doing this Friday at 4 p.m. with an celebratory event hosted by the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

And with a nod to Miss Moneypenny, we must tell you: it all started with a woman.

"It was my wife's idea," said owner and professional investigator Mark Ford. "Blame her!"

Taking a chance on downtown

Seven years ago Ford was running a risk security agency out of Pontiac but living in Rochester. 

"My wife and I had dinner at and we were walking down Third Street when we saw a building for rent. She asked, 'Wouldn't it be nice to live and work in town?'" Ford said.

The idea definitely had appeal, so Ford moved his business into the building that is now  and added a retail element.

"I thought I'd try it for a year," Ford said.

"I had no idea what I was doing. But then I got on the internet and figured it out."

After the year lease was up, Ford moved his business to Main Street, where his shop is now thriving.

This past year has seen a 37 percent increase in business — a record-breaker for Ford's business. 

"The technology changes weekly," Ford said. "There's always something new."

But what do they sell?

While Ford runs the risk security and investigations end of the business, Kevin Poole manages the store.

The shop's No. 1 seller is the GPS tracker.

"Whether it's for spousal surveillance or tracking the kids, we've got what you need," Poole said.

One GPS unit allows real-time tracking. It's $499 plus a monthly service fee. There is also a GPS unit that collects historical tracking. It's $199.

Another popular items is the voice recorder, which allows you to record business meetings or domestic situations. One recorder looks like a pen. Actually, it is a pen, since it functions as one — it just also happens to record. Voice recorders range from $49 to $179.

And of course there are the "nanny cams." These are cameras designed to blend in with your home decor and record activities. All items are fully functional, whether it's a clock or a digital frame.

Cameras can also be custom-built. Prices range from $279 to $349 on custom pieces.

"Prices vary depending on how intricate the piece is, if the recording includes a time/date stamp and if it's remote accessible," Poole said.

The shop also sells personal safety items such as pepper spray.

Another favorite store item is the storage container safe. These safes look — and sound — like everyday household items.

"Our favorite is the water bottle," Poole said. "The typical break-in lasts six to eight minutes. There's not time to go through every bottle in your fridge or can in your cupboard."

Spy Shops U.S.A. is located at 411 South Main St. For more information, call 248-608-1712 or visit www.spyshopsusa.com.