North Ayrshire Council has used surveillance three times over the past year to crack down on illegal behaviour.
Since October 2018 four authorisations for surveillance have been sought and three were granted.
These have all been based on the prevention and detection of crime.
One covered allegations of theft, which led to criminal charges and convictions.
Another was a surveillance operation involving test purchases of age-restricted tobacco products.
The third was sparked by allegations that premises were operating as an unlicensed house of multiple occupancy.
The application which was refused related to investigation of noise nuisance.
A council spokesperson said: “We only use covert surveillance in very rare circumstances and when it is absolutely required, ensuring we follow all the proper procedures.
“In the majority of cases our officers carry out their work without the need for surveillance.
“For example, our trading standards team focus on enforcement action to educate retailers, which is a more effective use of resources.”
The council has legal powers to use covert surveillance as part of its regulatory duties.
It is audited every few years on its use of the powers and a report by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office in January commended the council’s regular training regime.
Prior to 2018 the council had used surveillance once in the past five years, in February 2014.
