I Have a neighbour with cctv cameras recording sound about 8 feet away from my front door

[intelli1]

I have a neighbour that has had a cctv camera pointing at his garage that is attached to my garage. and about 7 feet from my front door. It records sounds too. Is this legal, I don't like the idea that he can record any of my conversations when I answer the door, it is sound activated too. He says it doesn't point at any of our land, but it certainly can pick up sounds, I have to keep my windows shut too if I'm having conversations on the phone, surely this can't be right?.

[abskil12]

If it is attached to your property, why don't you ask him to remove it? If he refuses, remove it!

[daffy654]

I agree that if it is attached to your garage you have the right to ask him to remove it.Did he ask permission to put it there before doing so?

[Quoi]

Am I thick or is it intelli1's garage thats attached to the neighbours garage - not the camera?

[poohshunny]

thats what i understtod from the question too quoi. thought i must have been mistaken

[daffy654]

After re-reading the question it could mean either the garage is attached to her/his garage or the camera is,its not very clear.

[spacechimp]

I don't think cameras which record sound are legal at all without a licence. I'm not sure if this only applies to public property, but I suspect not.

[spacechimp]

http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/cctv_co de_of_practice_html/7_using.html

[intelli1]

Hi, sorry, our garages are attached to each other. the camera is on the side of his detached bungalow, pointing at our garages, but because my bungalow is situated sideways on, my front door is adjacent to the side of his bungalow, therefore adjacent to the camera, so picking up sound. the single garages are between our bungalows and semi detached. he says it is only pointing at his garage and that you can't see ours on it, but i have no proof of this. Plus he can hear everything we say.

[SKA]

say mean things about him then!! Maybe he'll get hurt and turn it off!!

[intelli1]

Also, I can find lots of information on the net to do with public cctv, but not private cctv. thanks for all your help.

[matt1e]

that link is just a code of practice spacechimp aimed at businesses and organisations who routinely capture images of individuals on their CCTV equipment it also states on this page
http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/cctv_co de_of_practice_html/3_covers.html

that he use of cameras for limited household purposes is exempt from the DPA. This applies where an individual uses CCTV to protect their home from burglary, even if the camera overlooks the street or other areas near their home. Images captured for recreational purposes, such as with a mobile phone, digital camera or camcorder, are also exempt.

[intelli1]

Hi, thanks matt1e. I have read the report, and my take on it was that he is allowed to use cctv, to protect his property, but the information I can't seem to find anywhere is regarding the recording of sound

[matt1e]

here is another couple of links

http://www.ico.gov.uk/Global/faqs/data_protect ion_for_the_public.aspx#f89CC45B4-580B-4FCD-98 A2-278DE2D7446C

http://www.doktorjon.co.uk/news%20archive/news stories5.html

[Annlinda]

Place a mirror to reflect back at the camera if possible and play continous tape of whooshing sound as near to his camera on your property.

[intelli1]

thanks Matt1e, have had a read, think I haven't a leg to stand on though, Guess I will have to invest in some cctv equipment of my own, If you can't beat them, join them!

[donn1901]

I was gonna get cctv to see who was damaging my cars. After lookin furthe into it as i live in flats i was told if its just pictures and points at anyone elses property its illegal. This is seen as an invasion of privacy so get onto your neighbour and if he refuses go to the local authorities as your neighbour is breaking the law. FULL PRIVACY MUST BE GIVEN AT ALL TIMES TO EVERY1

[WaldoMcFroog]

Here you go:

http://www.nfh.org.uk/resources/Articles/cctv/ index.php

CCTV, You and The Law - specifically aimed at home use CCTV.