A WOMAN has been left fuming after spotting her ‘nosy’ neighbour has installed a camera in their window which points into her garden.
She showed how the CCTV device has been placed inside their home, but it completely invades her privacy.
A woman has revealed how her neighbour has installed a security camera in their home which ‘points into her garden’[/caption]
The camera was placed inside their home in a top window[/caption]
On her @666price account, she pleaded for advice, saying: “Is it illegal for someone to have a camera pointing into your garden invading your privacy?
“Nosey neighbours.”
Many people said the neighbour was in the wrong for putting the camera up.
One said: “This is not legal in most countries. Communicate with neighbor on how this is illegal and if that doesn’t work file formal complaints.”
Another added: “it is invasion of privacy. informed council and the went to the housè and made them move it to just there own gate.”
But some people disagreed, with one writing: “It’s not illegal and that camera is prob looking in their garden.”
Someone also claimed it was ironic for her to be complaining about the issue by filming her own video of the neighbour’s house.
They wrote: “As they zoom in using a camera to a bedroom window and post online. Can’t make it up.”
WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS?
It’s typically not illegal for a neighbour’s security camera to capture images beyond their property boundary, but it can be intrusive and raise privacy concerns.
If your CCTV footage captures images beyond your property boundary then you are subject to the data protection laws.
Legal experts say you will be regulated under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act.
You may be familiar with this when it comes to websites storing your data or companies sending you emails.
Joanne Ellis, a partner at Warrington-based solicitor Stephensons, said if CCTV being captured falls outside of a homeowner’s property boundaries, the person capturing the CCTV becomes a data controller.
This creates a set of responsibilities for the CCTV owner.
The person captured has a right to be told a CCTV system is being used and what information is being recorded.
Ellis said a subject access request can be made if a neighbour refuses to do this.
She said: “You can ask for the footage captured of you to be deleted – but it can be refused if there is a legitimate reason to keep it such as it captures a burglar.
“Any third parties that the CCTV is disclosed to, such as police and insurers, are also obliged to process the footage in accordance with the rules.”
CAN YOU REFUSE TO BE FILMED?
Most people expect to be caught on CCTV when out in public, but it can be annoying when it on your private property[/caption]
Ellis said that a neighbour can request they are not captured on CCTV, but this might not be granted if the filming complies with regulations.
The CCTV owner must also process data in a lawful and transparent manner and only for specified and legitimate purposes.
Ellis said: “In a domestic context, this is usually to deter or record burglaries or theft.
“If the CCTV footage for example covers a potential entrance or exit and is not too intrusive for the neighbour the use is likely to be considered legitimate.”
As always with disputes, Ellis said, the best course of action is to speak with the neighbour, voice your concerns and try to reach agreement.
If that fails it may be worth taking legal advice, but this can be pricey.
How to create privacy in your garden
CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden:
1. Fencing
- Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy.
2. Hedges and Plants
- Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier.
3. Outdoor Curtains
- Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution.
4. Sound Barriers
- A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern.
