Neighbour has just put up a security camera!

Free_Spirit_31

I can see it from our bedroom and from the kitchen! It is one of those dome ones that you see in the supermarkets.

They have put it on the outbuilding/garage sort of thing they have in the back garden. The way it is positioned it looks INTO the back of their house, the kitchen and bedroom and we can see it from the back of ours.

We do not have any blinds or curtains in the kitchen because we like to look out into the garden to see if there is anyone trying to get in to get a ball or using it as a short cut and then we just give them a look to tell them they should not be there!

The only thing that is really bothering me is the fact that my partner and I like to walk around half dressed. The neighbour that has installed it made a joke that he saw my partner half cut and lying down in the back garden and took a picture on his phone! He is like Mr Wilson from the 90's comedy Home Improvement, always sticking his head over the 6 foot fence and trying to make conversation or seeing what is going on!

I cannot understand why they have installed a camera as I am not aware of any intruder issues here! If the camera was put on the front of the house and on the back of the house... looking out, I would understand not on the garage or outbuildings looking into the house! Anyone trying to break in would have a field day because all that would be picked up is the back of their head as the intruder will be coming from behind the camera and then they head into the house!

I am not sure if it is a stationary camera or a mobile one, what is to say he may get bored, see there is no threat to his home and watch us seen as he likes to take pictures!

Does anyone else this sort of issue with their neighbours?

Tropez

He's within his rights to do it. I've got a few security cameras up. I don't know of any intruder issues around here but my experience in private security teaches me vigilance is the best defence.

Now, if you could reasonably suggest he had only put the camera up to spy on you in the nude, well you could complain about that.

krlyr

http://www.problemneighbours.co.uk/cctv-privacy-and-the-law.html

When you could be Breaking the Law for Having CCTV at Home

While home installation of CCTV does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Data Protection Act, if the home installation has not been carried out correctly or is being used for a purpose other than for which it was designed, then you may have a case for taking further action under totally different laws.For example, if you have a camera which is pointed directly at another person’s property or it’s suspected that it can capture part or all of a neighbour’s property, they might have a case to take action against you under legislation covered by the Human Rights Act. They might have sufficient grounds to say that they have had their privacy violated, that your CCTV system is tantamount to harassment and even voyeurism.
In such cases, they can get the police involved if you're not able to come to some agreement with regards to what the camera(s) can capture and to make modifications to the installation, if necessary.

geri1965_2

If you don't like him seeing you half dressed, get some curtains.

Georgiegirl256

My husband set one up to look out of our living room window, pointed at the front door. He works from home and his office is up two flights of stairs.

He got sick of having to run up and down stairs to answer the door to find it was nothing important/Jehovah's witnesses etc. So with the camera set up, he could see if he had to come down to answer the door, ie postie etc.

Neighbours probably did wonder why, but hey ho!

Basically OP, you want to walk around half starkers....buy some blinds! Your problem, not your neighbours.

carefullycautious

I can remember someone years ago being prosecuted for walking around his bedroom in the nude as passers by could see him.

I would not be happy with a camera pointed at the back of my property. As above have said it is a violation of your privacy.

jaylee3

Yes, I see it as an intrusion and a violation, and I would not be happy. I wouldn't say anything though, just smash it when they're not in.

OK, I am kidding and wouldn't recommend such blatant vandalism, but seeing as he has such a bloody cheek, peering at your husband and commenting, and the camera covers some of your property; then they have it coming IMO. So this is what I may do.

Have you said anything to them?

All this said, I wouldn't parade around half naked with no curtains/blinds even if there WAS no camera. Yes, you have (more or less) a right to do what you want in your own home, but not really if people can see it!!!

sulphate

Maybe it's fake?

moomoomama27

I would be concerned that the camera wasn't being used for purpose. I think firstly you should perhaps voice your concern to your neighbour, perhaps it isn't real, or there is a legitimate reason for it's positioning. I would also be more aware of the fact it could be used to spy into your home. So would get curtains for privacy, and then perhaps get advice from 101,

Twiglet21

I work in the legal sector, there is no infringement of your rights here as your neighbour is perfectly within his to install a camera. The only time that this becomes an offence is if the camera obtains footage or is in any way directed into or on to your property all that of a public place. As long as the footage he is obtaining is that of his own property he is perfectly within his rights here.

jaylee3

moomoomama27 wrote: »

I would be concerned that the camera wasn't being used for purpose. I think firstly you should perhaps voice your concern to your neighbour, perhaps it isn't real, or there is a legitimate reason for it's positioning. I would also be more aware of the fact it could be used to spy into your home. So would get curtains for privacy, and then perhaps get advice from 101,

Probably a better idea than smashing it. :rotfl:

But yes, I am sure they're not allowed to have a camera that points towards your house AND into your window! :eek: