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Helmecke opened Covert Resources on Route 46 about two-and-a-half years ago.
The store contains various surveillance devices to record sound and video, plus alarms and self-defense items.
"The idea of calling this a spy shop isn't my favorite title," Helmecke said, "but the problem is it contains too many diverse devices and products that it doesn't fit into anything else either."
True to the covert nature of the store, Helmecke declined to speak about his own background and what led him to open the store.
"I don't discuss that aspect, I discuss people's issues and how we can deal with them," he said.
He follows the same philosophy with customers. Many people come to the store just out of curiosity and Helmecke said he got tired of explaining.
Helmecke runs the business on his own. Much of his clientele involves people trying to resolve disputes, including spouses, neighbors, employers and employees, or landlords and tenants.
Audio recording usually does the trick, Helmecke said.
"Video's always the obvious one," he said. "A typical person wants a small camera. They've seen too many Hollywood movies and are under the assumption someone can buy something the size of a fly and record it and watch on their iPhone. Not possible.
"There's a great deal of time that's expended bringing people down from Hollywood expectations to reality."
MORE INFO: Visit covertresource.com.
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