An ad for eavesdropping devices is seen in Chongqing,July 23,2014.[Photo/CFP]

Sales of devices for eavesdropping and secret photography will be banned in Beijing, according to the municipal government.

The city's Administration for Industry and Commerce, Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau and Beijing National Security Bureau, jointly announced that criminal liability will be investigated if the purchase of such devices leads to serious consequences.

Their sale goes against the law and threatens citizens’ lives and privacy, an official with the Administration for Industry and Commerce said. Buyers are mainly investigation service companies which violate citizens’ privacy by acquiring information through such means, the Beijing News reported.

Beijing police have found that surveillance devices disguised as glasses or walking sticks have been used to secretly photograph women in bathrooms, toilets and changing rooms.

Citizens are encouraged to report illegal use and selling of such apparatus to the police or industrial and commercial authorities.