Fence Issue with Neighbour and Council

LKavaguru on 13/03/2018 - 11:54
Last edited 13/03/2018 - 12:37

Hi fellow bargain hunters,

I am a new home owner and need some advice on an issue with my fence please.

My neighbour built a 1.5m fence instead of the maximum 2m and has security cameras on the side and back of the house looking into my property. The other sides of my fence are 2m and 2.5m comparatively. So I attached some bamboo fencing on the short side for privacy and to stop the cameras looking into my property but also as a garden feature. I feel invaded by the cameras and could not enjoy my outside back because of this. The bamboo fence has fixed the problem but now the neighbor has complained to the Council about the high fence. My neigbour has been problematic ever since I moved in, complaining to Council once about my grass being too long. When an inspector visited to check the length of the grass, he told me he didn't understand why a complaint was made.

The Council wrote to me asking me to explain why I put bamboo fencing and that I need a building permit for it which could cost thousands. I explained and provided photos of the cameras, and the short fence.Other houses in the area have much higher fences, about 70 percent of them in fact.

But now the Council has written back to me saying I need to remove the fence by a certain date and if I don't I will be fined under the Building Act.

I have tried to liase with the neighbour but that has not worked and I don't know what else to do.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

CORRECTION: The maximum height fence is 2m not 3m. The neighbour built a 1.5m metre fence. I've corrected above. Apologies for the error.

Home & Garden

Comments

    • nnimos on 14/03/2018 - 22:43

      Even a couple of cheap fake cameras will do

  • Euphemistic on 13/03/2018 - 15:06
    +4

    Maybe look into how you can install a privacy screen, just off the fence if you need to wait for shrubs to grow. The neighbour can't do much about it if it is on your side of the fence and within the council height guidelines. You might even be able to move your bamboo fencing off the fence to create the screen.

  • havebeerbelywillsumo on 13/03/2018 - 15:15
    +2

    I feel for you but have no answer….except, if they are really freaky, any plants will simply be poisoned, so maybe you also want hard to kill as a parameter?

    And, bamboo, will echo posters who've said choose very carefully as some types will invade anything and everything so whatever plant you choose MUST be non-invasive.

    And a no see in coating on your relevant windows so you don't need to have blinds constantly drawn (except at night maybe?). Surely there is no regulation against that.

  • redforever on 13/03/2018 - 15:21
    +3

    maybe commission another fence on your side that goes up to 1.8m or 2m?

    This will use some of your land but I don't think you will need their input or permission.

  • chumlee on 13/03/2018 - 15:30
    +1

    Clump bamboo plants (no runners) or pitossarum trees

  • Quantumcat on 14/03/2018 - 00:32
    +1

    Might get in trouble if you use laser pointers but you could try a car headlight, which has a parabolic dish behind it to send all the light rays in one direction, almost as good as a laser pointer. You could get a regular lamp globe, remove the stand and shade so you just have a globe attached to a power cord, and get it inside the parabolic dish so it makes a straight beam of light. You'd have to be sure to get the globe into the focus point of the parabola so it would work properly.

    If you do anything like this please let us know how you get on.

    In absence of this my favourite suggestion so far is planter boxes attached to the fence. The only issue I can see is the fact of being in a pot may mean they don't grow as fast.

  • Impulse Buy on 14/03/2018 - 01:37
    +2

    Might I suggest these , the video speaks for itself..

    • Kavaguru on 14/03/2018 - 09:01

      love it!

  • whooah1979 on 14/03/2018 - 06:14
    +12

    An $8 led ir illuminator connected to a 12v power source directed at the cctv may disable it. Its invisible to the human eye, but may saturate the cctv with light rendering it useless.

    • lgacb08 on 14/03/2018 - 10:40

      Only works at night tho

      • whooah1979 on 14/03/2018 - 11:54
        +2

        The neighbour spent $100s or $1000s on a 24/7 cctv system. Can you imagine how irritating it would be for them if the cctv only worked for a few hours during daylight?

        • lgacb08 on 14/03/2018 - 15:00
          -1

          I was saying during daylight most of those cameras would switch off night mode so the ir thing is hopeless.

      • Steve K on 15/03/2018 - 15:38
        +1

        It will wash out the picture at night (screen goes white), which is when most people will be wanting the cameras to be working well, so this is a great way to encourage the cameras to be pointed away so as not to see the IR illuminator.
        also install some real or fake cctv of your own, as a plausible reason for having the illuminators.

        also incandescent floodlights dimmed to a very low glow will also emit a ton of IR light, so if you have floodlights already installed, you could just get a dimmer switch added.

      • UltimateAI on 15/03/2018 - 17:08

        Setup led’s at night come back another night with a high powered laser and mask and the laser will fry the delecate sensors in the camera.

        Look up the specs online most cameras are crap and they would see jack especially at night.

        Legally setup a point to zoom web controlled camera to wards their property and make it known you have an online open webcam

  • elgrande on 14/03/2018 - 06:42
    +7

    Put screen up 90cm away from fence. This should comply.

  • boccos on 14/03/2018 - 07:34
    +1

    You could try facing a light/spotlight directly at the camera with the hopeful result of disrupting the cameras vision, whenever you feel your privacy is being compromised. If you get some reaction, you will know it is working.

    • Euphemistic on 14/03/2018 - 08:14
      +2

      Make sure the light is also pointing at something on your side. eg to light up the back of the house, that way if there is a complaint you can say the light is not intended to disrupt the camera, but for your own needs.

  • snajper on 14/03/2018 - 08:20
    +9

    Get couple of dummy cameras and point them into his backyard…

    • lachhelix on 14/03/2018 - 13:11
      +3

      Great idea! But only a couple? Start with 23 dummy cameras and go up from there

      Option a) Neighbour will feel threatened and take them down - problem solved
      Option b) Neighbour tries to play hardball, buys 23 more cameras, end up going bankrupt and has to move - problem solved

  • matthewhartmans on 14/03/2018 - 08:24
    +2

    that's messed up! crazy neighbours mate!

    you could try and find some cheap laser pointers on OzBargain and have them constantly on, pointing at there cameras to block them out.

    https://imgur.com/f89nJJl

  • jjjaar on 14/03/2018 - 08:39
    +1

    Any update OP? What did council say when you spoke with them?

    • Kavaguru on 14/03/2018 - 09:01

      Haven't called Council yet but what's the bet they will refer to legislation about fence height and not want anything to do with the cameras.

      • buckster on 14/03/2018 - 18:55

        I can't speak for Victoria but I know when family wanted to attach a privacy screen to their fence in SA council approval was required even if it was detachable

  • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2018 - 09:00
    +5

    Water pistol and some sump oil onto the lens.

  • ruddiger7 on 14/03/2018 - 09:23
    +2

    Is there anything you can put up to obscure the cameras view that wouldn't require a building permit? Like one of those basketball hoops that aren't fixed to the ground?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2018 - 14:48

      Exactly grow a tree or something, but their neighbour isn't going to remove their security cameras which were installed before the OP moved in.

      The cameras are there to protect the neighbouring property.

      Covering it from your side won't prevent the effectiveness of the cameras which will still capture a thief jumping over the fence, especially more important that it is a low fence.

      I would get together with my neighbour to invest in higher fencing because they seem to be a security conscious neighbour. The neighbour might even offer to do it for free.

      I don't understand why the OP hasn't done so already.

      • ruddiger7 on 16/03/2018 - 15:02

        From reading OPs post, it seems they don't have a good relationship already due to historical issues like lawn etc.

    • OzzyOzbourne on 16/03/2018 - 14:00
      +1

      Are you the op's neighbour?

      • Geryatric on 16/03/2018 - 15:04

        No but I am somewhat envious of the OP. He got a brand new standard regulation height fence for free! Plus he has the added piece of mind of cameras in the surrounding property!! You can never have too many camera in this day and age.

      • Geryatric on 16/03/2018 - 15:08
        -1

        The Home Security market is forecasted to reach 167.12$ Billion by 2025… Every house will have multiple cameras in the next 5 years.

        Why did Amazon just buy ring for $1 Billion?

  • TailsK on 14/03/2018 - 09:58
    -3

    Have you actually tried speaking to your neighbour about it directly? Like, tried to sort out the problems you seem to be having before going to the council/police?

  • slugsandsnails on 14/03/2018 - 10:06
    +1

    What about attaching a lattice to the top of the fence? I did this and grow a passionfruit vine on it. Neighbours get to enjoy the passionfruit too and great privacy.

  • mreddie on 14/03/2018 - 10:20

    Grow some Lily Pilly's along in a row, about a metre between each…. we did this with a problem neighbour. It will take 2 summers to grow well, but boy when they grow they really grow fast. And then all of a sudden you'll have a nice bushy hedge along your fence line.

    • Warehouse on 14/03/2018 - 10:29

      How high did they grow? Did you need to reinforce the fence to support the weight?

      • mreddie on 14/03/2018 - 11:37

        They grow up to 10 metres high, very high. But you can chop them and shape them. Don't need to reinforce them, they are surprisingly quite lean but bush outward. They grow quick over a couple of seasons…. give them some nice soil. They won't grow much in Winter but every other month they grow like crazy.

  • Organised Chaos on 14/03/2018 - 10:28

    Are there any windows of their house along or near the location of the security cameras? I recently built a deck in my back yard and due to the fact that from there I could see into the neighbours back yard I was required to install a screen to prevent me overlooking their property. I believe that the same principle would apply here.

  • JIMB0 on 14/03/2018 - 10:36
    +1

    Put some blow up dolls in your backyard.

  • Sigiriya on 14/03/2018 - 10:54

    Buy 2 dummy cameras. Install them pointing to their house and see what happens.

  • pformag on 14/03/2018 - 11:43
    +4

    High powered spotlight pointed at his house would do the trick.

  • Starlight8 on 14/03/2018 - 12:09

    grow tall hedges or a lemon tree to block the camera :)

  • Starlight8 on 14/03/2018 - 12:10
    +1

    Also dummy cameras sounds like a good idea… as CX9

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/swann-dome-imitation-camera-with…

  • Gorgeousmorgeous on 14/03/2018 - 13:07
    -2

    Advise your neighbours that you feel they are deliberately trying to harass and intimidate you by using cameras and abusing tradies, advise them if they don't stop u will report to police their threatening and intimidating behaviour. Get backup statements from tradies if u can. Be aware this will likely annoy them more.
    Also have you asked your surrounding neighbours if they have had any issues with these people?
    Lastly, if u have children, u may be able to complain to police about unauthorised images being taken of your kids.

    • whooah1979 on 14/03/2018 - 14:05
      -1

      Lastly, if u have children, u may be able to complain to police about unauthorised images being taken of your kids.

      the general rule is that a photographer doesn't need the consent of the parents or guardian before taking images of children in public. the images must of course not be ‘indecent’, ‘obscene’, ‘offensive’ or ‘in a sexual context’. artlaw.

      • buffalo bill on 14/03/2018 - 15:38

        That is correct, but there aren't any cameras inside your local swimming pool hall are there? The public takes a dim view of that type of surveillance (and rightly so), and if that were to be happening as a consequence of his recording - an alert put up on say Facebook, could send a powerful message.

  • dave999 on 14/03/2018 - 13:14
    +1

    Sound like they built the fence illegally. In NSW you have to follow the rules of the Dividing Fences Act (http://www7.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/nsw/conso…)

    They have to give you formal notification of building the fence, see from the Act:

    "
    11 Notice to carry out fencing work
    (1) An adjoining owner may require the other adjoining owner to contribute, under this Act, to the carrying out of fencing work by serving a notice in writing to that effect on the other owner.
    (2) The notice is to specify the following:
    (a) the boundary line on which the fencing work is proposed to be carried out or, if it is impracticable to carry out fencing work on the common boundary of the adjoining lands, the line on which it is proposed to carry out the work,
    (b) the type of fencing work proposed to be carried out,
    (c) the estimated cost of the fencing work.
    (3) The owner serving the notice may propose that the cost of the fencing work is to be borne otherwise than in equal proportions. In such a case, the notice is to state the proposed proportions.
    (4) The description of land in a notice need not particularly define the land if it allows no reasonable doubt as to what land is referred to in the notice.
    (5) An adjoining owner is not liable to contribute to the cost of any fencing work in respect of a dividing fence:
    (a) carried out before a notice under this section is served on the adjoining owner (unless section 9 applies or the notice is served in accordance with section 22), or
    (b) carried out after the service of the notice on the adjoining owner and before agreement is reached by the adjoining owners concerning the fencing work (including the contributions to be made in respect of the work) or before the matter has been determined by the Local Court or the Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
    12 Procedure when agreement not reached
    (1) Adjoining owners may attend a Community Justice Centre in an attempt to reach an agreement concerning the carrying out of fencing work (including the contributions to be made in respect of the work).
    (2) If adjoining owners do not agree (within 1 month after one of them has served a notice under section 11) as to the fencing work to be carried out, either owner may apply to the Local Court or the Civil and Administrative Tribunal for an order determining the manner in which the fencing work (if any) is to be carried out."

    Should make it clear to the council that it is in fact the fence built by your neighbours that has to be removed and rebuilt legally. Sound like you have a very strong case that if built legally the courts would have enforced a 2m fence, from the fact other neighbouring fences are 2m and that the neighbours are using cameras to record your property.

    Otherwise I agree with outher posters, just plant hedging.

    • dave999 on 14/03/2018 - 13:19
      +1

      Just to add, section 4 describes what kind of fence is appropriate:

      "4 Determination as to "sufficient dividing fence"
      In any proceedings under this Act, the Local Court or the Civil and Administrative Tribunal is to consider all the circumstances of the case when determining the standard for a sufficient dividing fence for the purposes of this Act, including the following:

      (a) the existing dividing fence (if any),
      (b) the purposes for which the adjoining lands are used or intended to be used,
      (c) the privacy or other concerns of the adjoining land owners,
      (d) the kind of dividing fence usual in the locality,
      (e) any policy or code relating to dividing fences adopted by the council of the local government area in which the adjoining lands are situated,
      (f) any relevant environmental planning instrument relating to the adjoining lands or to the locality in which they are situated,
      (g) in the case of a dividing fence affecting land the subject of a lease under the Western Lands Act 1901, any order in force under section 18A of that Act."

    • walululu on 14/03/2018 - 13:37

      ++ 1 to this

      Although OP is in Victoria and the rules might be slightly different however according to the link below in Vic it's the same. It is by law that the neighbour has to send the OP a notice to carry out fencing work.

      http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/home/justice+system/laws+and+r…

      If OP has proof that it's built without a notice then the neighbour should be worried as OP's got a very strong case to dispute.

  • s3n on 14/03/2018 - 13:16
    +1

    If your yard is big enough put a tall shipping container against the fence

    You can have as many of those as you want no permit or permission required

    • MrBear on 19/03/2018 - 09:19

      and stand them on their ends

  • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2018 - 13:57
    +3

    build your fence up to the max height. Then put up 5 dummy cameras looking directly into their back yard and a fluro 'open' flashing sign.
    Perhaps install a light that shines directly into their house from your property but also covers your property for security purposes.

    If they complain about your fence being too high or not getting permission then call out their hypocrisy.

    Your neighbours are just grump peasants.
    Sorry you have to deal with humans like this.

    • h4zey on 14/03/2018 - 14:13
      +1

      solid advice!

  • grimo82 on 14/03/2018 - 14:42

    as noted max out fence height with extender (https://www.ourtownfencing.com.au/slattice-and-lattice/slatt…) or screen of your choosing the plant out with hedge (to 10m if you want) or bambo in planter boxes.

  • buffalo bill on 14/03/2018 - 15:20

    None of these solutions change the fact you are living next to a paranoid, nosey and generally unpleasant individual/couple. Their lack of manners will likely extend to other people in your house and your kids, if you have them. Once you are done with this fence issue, the council or authorities will be called about something else, and you will yet again be justifying your actions while you tread on eggshells in your own property and get recorded while doing so.

    You have three options; 1) live with them, making concessions for their lack of manners and hope they improve, 2) you move, or lease out your property or 3) they move.

    It depends largely on your character and what your dispute resolution skills are like. Without elaborating, the easiest and most satisfying option is to have them move.

  • HeWhoKnows on 14/03/2018 - 15:22
    +5

    I would suggest you write back to council and suggest that you havent put up a fence at all. Just a non-permanent bamboo landscaping feature which is also a privacy barrier for which you dont need council approval. In fact council often insists on these in some cuircumstances.
    OR physically plant bamboo along the boundary

    I should ask how high is the bvamboo fence?

    But as I say - dont call it a fence at all.
    Its a privacy barrier that is necessary due to the cameras installed next door.

    • Larkdord on 15/03/2018 - 09:23
      +1

      I agree, most bamboo fences are no higher than 1.8 mtrs so not sure what the council's issue is. Also like some other people suggested plant some trees or shrubs like Lilli Pillies, Pittosporums or there is the ornamental pear tree which grows to 7-8 metres and 5 metres wide (which I have) as I had a similar issue where our neighbour's old house extension has windows facing our back yard.

  • berger on 14/03/2018 - 15:56

    point more cameras into his yard. perhaps have some flashing xmas lights along your gutter to annoy him. or a sensitive security light that shines in his yard, sensitive enough that the rats/possums trigger it.

  • Kegsta on 14/03/2018 - 17:46
    +1

    Lots of good suggestions here, I would look into making a nice hedge line on fast growing trees.

    But in the mean time while they grow, call out your local council on social media on your towns local facebook group/councils own page with pictures and correspondence if you believe that the any regular citizen would find their response to be ridiculous.

    • HeWhoKnows on 16/03/2018 - 19:27

      Yes the local paper is a good starting point about how unfairly you have been treated by council

  • xuqi on 14/03/2018 - 20:17
    -1

    Plant some Yukka (sheep manure) along the fence line and your problems will be solved within a couple of years!

  • Stallion on 14/03/2018 - 21:30

    What council are you in?? Like most people have commented was your bamboo extensions over the maximum limit i.e over 2m tall ?

    See Maroondah Council for example - http://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Residents-property/Fences/Bu…

    You can build a fence up to the allowable height without a permit? Is 2m enough to block the cameras ?

  • cashie on 14/03/2018 - 22:45

    Yep, as others ha e said talk to council and explain your concerns and the fact the fence was built without your knowledge/involvement.
    May be an option to put the bamboo fence inside your boundary.

  • Gumbootboy on 14/03/2018 - 22:55

    I'm not expert… but if you want to try and beat them at their own game…

    You shouldn't need a building permit, as per:
    http://www.vba.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/21085/…
    "Construction of a side or boundary fence 2m high and not within 3m of a street alignment. *
    *Must still comply with Regulation 424(1) and Schedule 5. This may mean that the maximum fence height exempted may be less than that in the Table.

    Just send them a Notice to fence: for your addition of the bamboo fencing:
    https://www.disputes.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/embridge…

    If they don't reply after 30 days, you can put it back up.
    If they reply and don't agree (likely based on the sound of things). Take them to court and defend yourself.
    https://www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/…
    https://www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/…

    Or just put plants on your side of the fence that are tall.

  • tiara on 15/03/2018 - 01:08
    +1

    Put a laser pointer directly pointing to the camera lens. If your neighbour complains it means they filming your property

  • Corsair2 on 15/03/2018 - 03:18

    Hi OP,
    Most of the state in Australia, I believed the fence about 1.9m high is standard. if you and your neighbour fence is only 1.5m, you should consider buying and install fence extensions, adjust them to 1.9m high, so even if they try to complaints, council won't be able to tell you take them off. I think that will block cameras to look at your backyard.

    ref:
    http://latticefactory.com.au/products/fence-extensions/

  • Wallyt99 on 15/03/2018 - 07:22

    In Victoria - Cops likely won't be interested in the cameras per se. Raise it as a stalking complaint. The cameras would be sufficient evidence to warrant a stalking charge. See below.

    They may not charge him but they would visit and he would move the cameras pretty damn quickly.

    (1) A person must not stalk another person.

    Penalty: Level 5 imprisonment (10 years maximum).

    S. 21A(2) amended by Nos 105/2003 s. 4(1), 20/2011 s. 3(3).

    (2)     A person (the offender) stalks another person (the victim) if the offender engages in a course of conduct which includes any of the following—

    (F) keeping a person under surveillance.

    • Wallyt99 on 15/03/2018 - 07:32

      Some information for NSW. https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/domestic_and_family_viol…

      The key to prove the mental element of this charge is that they do so with the intention of causing you fear.

      It should be sufficient to write to them or discuss with them that their surveillance of you is causing you fear. Their continuation shows the mental element.

      Also keep an incident log… Anything where they glance at you sideways should go in there. Take the evidence and logs to the police. It might resolve as soon as you let them know that you believe you are being stalked though as the penalties are severe.

  • Caped Baldy on 15/03/2018 - 10:30

    Hey OP, check with Council if the neighbour got permission to install the fence in the first place because they didn't get your consent. Otherwise, knock it down and build your own higher fence.

    It would also be worthwhile checking if they moved the fence location - they may occupy part of your land and then claiming it as there own.

    • whooah1979 on 15/03/2018 - 12:04
      -1

      knock it down and build your own higher fence.

      Op can’t just demolish the existing fence and replace it if consent is required by both parties.

      • Caped Baldy on 15/03/2018 - 12:18

        That's the problem I have with it. Initially, the neighbour constructed the fence without OP's consent.

  • slowjammer on 15/03/2018 - 11:11

    For a quick solution, I would recommend to put in some tall privacy plants to block their cameras - https://www.google.com.au/search?q=big+pot+plants+to+cover+f…

  • Ametric on 15/03/2018 - 12:29

    the fence between neighbors is an agreement between neighbors (in VIC at least), the council can only request for front fence, at least all councils with whom we are working during town planning stage of drawings do not want to take part in this and in most cases even asking to remove notes for the side fences from the plans (new application).
    The council is sometimes asking to provide free standing trellis above the fence , which will be blocking the views from neighbors if there are some windows where fence is not covering the views in height of 1700mm from finished floor level of dwelling (neighbors), if it is the case, try to complain to the council, if not, just install free standing trellis, 500mm above his fence height and just forget about it.

  • fallentenshi on 15/03/2018 - 12:55

    Can't you put up wood fence on top of existing fence? I've seen people put a small one on top to increase the height.
    I'm surprised your Council got involved in this boundary fence disagreement. My council told me, it's between me and my neighbour. If I don't like it, talk to VCAT or something.

  • mkar18 on 15/03/2018 - 14:50

    Well, buy 4 dummy cameras that looks real and setup them facing every window and door of their premises. wait to see what they come up with and tell him "this is how you feel".

    • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2018 - 14:44

      Yeah, go for this OP.

      If they really think that is the way to go. It doesn't really matter though, because chances are their neighbour is probably some security buff and they put the stuff there which the old homeowners didn't have a problem with

      Remember, the OP moved in after the cameras were already installed.

      The OP bought their property knowing well that cameras were already preinstalled in their neighbour's private property.

      It could also be that there is a meth lab running next door as well. Who knows? Either way, that is not our concern.

  • akoli on 15/03/2018 - 15:30

    Buy some laser pens and point them in to the camera lenses… strong infra red lights work at night but not so much in the daytime…

  • [Deactivated] on 15/03/2018 - 15:55

    Talk to local lawyer, listen to local lawyer, be prepared for court.

    Ive seen retards in my area, not neighbours, install CCTV on poles mounted on their roofs.
    Its almost funny if it wasnt so pathetic, those big honking swivel cameras too.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2018 - 14:41

      Funny you would say this.

      This is usually installed in this manner to prevent theft of CCTV cameras. Especially where there is high incidence of theft and malicious damage, higher placed CCTV cameras are the way to go. Those with PTZ cameras are legal as well.

      • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2018 - 16:10

        Or they just watch too much TV, that cherry tree isnt that valuable

  • nith265 on 15/03/2018 - 16:44

    Go naked like this guy did (safe for work link!)

    While this is kind of a joke, the guy did infact very quickly get the privacy resolution he was after

  • smartazz104 on 15/03/2018 - 17:04

    Maximum height is 2m, what's the minimum height?

    If your neighbour has complained about your addition, you should complain to council about what he's done, see what they say.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2018 - 14:38

      There is probably nothing wrong with the fence, it's just the OP wants a higher one for some reason.

      What happens if you the OP lived next to an apartment building or a two story house?

      The OP is being totally unreasonable and paranoid. In fact this is what they have something in common.

      No offence, they should get together and rant about the gangs in their neighbourhood.

      Has the OP even gone to check whether their neighbour was recently burgled? Something simple like talking to your neighbour to resolve disputes is the first thing people should do. Be reasonable.

  • GregMonarch on 15/03/2018 - 19:49
    +3

    Good boy:

    • Apply to council to add extra height to the existing fence. e.g. A wooden frame above it that's attached to your side. So you don't have to deal with the fool again. If council can support him invading your privacy then they can damn well approve a legal way for you to protect it. With council approval he can't do a thing about it. If the fence isn't strong enough to hold all wood, then make it out of wood lattice, or UV stable plastic lattice, with 100% shadecloth folded and stapled to your side.

    Sly boy:

    • Invite the over-70s nudist colony to camp in the yard. Often.

    • Multiple mirrors pointed at cameras. Spread around the yard so as Sun angle changes the next mirror lights up the cameras. (Too much work adjusting them throughout the year when Sun angle changes in my opinion.)

    • Make up a wooden frame, line with black garden plastic sheet, and pour concrete blocks with extendable tent poles or lightweight fibreglass rod set into each block. Or old car rims with pipe welded on, etc. Locate them along the fence every so often but out of the idiot's reach so he can't push them over. String lightweight material like tent nylon, etc. between them. Sew weight like a length wire into the bottom hem so light winds can't flip up the cloth and tangle it. Let's see him complain to council about a portable fence.

    • Same as previous point but just two weighted-down poles at each of the fenceline, about 1.5m out from the fence with wire or rope strung between them. Cloth attached to the wire/rope. Bottom edge of cloth gets attached to the handles of a few buckets filled with concrete at ground level.

    Poking the hornet nest:

    • If cameras are mounted high so he has to get on a ladder to fix: A long pole with blob of bluetack mixed with black paint so it's difficult to see from the ground. Press into camera lens. He'll think camera is faulty. With any luck he'll have paid to install them and it will cost him money for 'repair'.

    • Laser pointers pointed into camera lens. Powered from a 240V to DC plugpack or a small solar panel if you don't want to be constantly changing batteries. Won't melt them but they'll produce an all red/green image. Go somewhere like Jaycar first to try it out with one of the cameras they have running for demo purposes.

    • Think of a way to spray something on the lens. Paint, honey mixed with vegemite, etc. (this both blinds the lens and ants will infest the camera). e.g. One of those powerful pump-up water pistols, or an extendable aluminium painters pole + clear plastic tubing + one of those lawn sprinkler nozzles that screw into black plastic garden watering tubing + $1 bucket all from Bunnings. Add an old car windscreen washer pump powered by a car battery and drench away.

    WW III:

    • Same as previous point but note Bunnings sell hydrochloric acid in the industrial section. VERY strong. Be sure to wear gloves and use eye protection. Dilute according to directions and test on some plastic.

    • A more powerful laser - burn out the lens, cut through the mount, etc.

    • Fresnel lens out of an old rear projection TV. Mounted in wooden frame. Focus your new death ray on each camera mount just enough so they droop 90 degrees down at the ground. This will cause weeks of arguments between him and manufacturer claiming their plastic isn't suitable for outdoor use. When that loses it's entertainment value you could always turn them into melted blobs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xExXjXm0YV0

    • A large magnifying glass on a pole. Same effect as previous point and cheaper but more fiddly to focus.

    • Purchase and assemble. All will become clear.

    www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-1-8-3-8m-professional-extension-…
    www.bunnings.com.au/prime-35-53mm-solid-butterfly-screw-band…
    www.bunnings.com.au/gasmate-butane-fire-lighter_p3171665
    www.bunnings.com.au/gasmate-butane-bbq-fuel-cartridge-4-pack…

    • Mount a long sharpened nail to the end of a pole with hose clamp. Steady nail against lens. Hit your end with a mallet - hard. Remove.

    NOTE:

    • Some or all of the above may be for comedic effect. But of course interpretation is a very personal thing.

    • Some are better done from outside the fenceline to protect the violated, and/or at night in case cameras have infra red LEDS, and/or when dressed like those antifa soy boys.

    • After successfully removing the satisfaction of perving at your every move, six months later he'll probably have lost interest. Time to switch to one of the more permanent methods. Watch to see if he repairs them. If not a couple of months later you might choose to disable offending items permanently. A couple more months remove counter-measures.

    • buckster on 17/03/2018 - 09:28

      And how do you prevent the cameras recording you vandalizing them? You would just end up being held liable for the repair costs

      • whooah1979 on 17/03/2018 - 09:30
        -1

        https://goo.gl/images/gkGNve

      • GregMonarch on 17/03/2018 - 13:43

        1.

        "Some or all of the above may be for comedic effect. But of course interpretation is a very personal thing."

        2.

        "Some are better done from outside the fenceline to protect the violated, and/or at night in case cameras have infra red LEDS, and/or when dressed like those antifa soy boys."

  • Sheez on 15/03/2018 - 19:51

    Do what the council said, then go and talk to them and ask what you are allowed to do. Usually you are allowed to add a fence extension for privacy, they may have a problem because it sounds like you added an entirely extra fence.

  • Brouw3r on 15/03/2018 - 21:27
    +2

    Put up some 2000W motion sensor spot lights facing his house, that will change his mind about having a low fence pretty quickly.

  • jerjergege on 15/03/2018 - 22:07

    Buy a laser, mount it and point it at the camera lens.

  • Will Mcdonald on 15/03/2018 - 23:42
    +2

    Easy Solution to your problem, just walk around your backyard naked everytime hes outside. Hes bound to turn the cameras around or even put in a higher fence. And don't forget to wear a hat. Don't want to be getting sunburnt.

    • khomeini on 16/03/2018 - 21:23

      And that's why I put on my CCTV to the www for some free $$$
      (No, no… Yes?)

      • Will Mcdonald on 17/03/2018 - 03:21

        lol, wear a shirt with his face on it looking down.

  • mshanann on 16/03/2018 - 01:03

    Lattice or Fencing wire threaded through a couple of posts or fence extensions in the areas requiring privacy along with climbing plants should do the trick

    https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/…

  • dealmaker on 16/03/2018 - 09:27

    Are the cameras a stone throw away? Oops
    Just saying 🙂

  • dsgfh on 16/03/2018 - 13:50

    Just remember that if you're planting bamboo, don't plant it too close the the fence or it will end up pulling the fence apart.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2018 - 14:35

    Offer to have a higher fence replaced at your own cost. This will fix everything.

    Lots of people have 360 degree CCTV. In fact many companies like ring advertise their RING Of Defence or something system.

    I saw the ad whilst looking to purchase, but settled on Arlo (which was subsequently stolen).

    There are plenty of thieves these days that know Parkour. If you have seen some of the videos of gangsters in Melbourne, you'll know that they can jump fences quite easily.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2018 - 14:52

    Anyway, regarding grass. I've had the same complaint from my neighbour. The council just told them I was doing nothing illegal. The last I heard about the issue was some chatter on the afternoon but wasn't sure which side it was from. Either one of my neighbours (bleh)

    I even spoke to the inspector guy who was parked outside early in the morning. They gave me a no-junk mail sticker for my mailbox at the same time.

    Are you sure it is the same neighbour doing the complaint? Usually council won't tell you which neighbour is complaining.

  • Geryatric on 16/03/2018 - 15:06

    Home Security Market forecasted to reach 167.12$ Billion by 2025… Every house will have cameras in the next 5 years.

    Why did Amazon just buy ring for $1 Billion?

    • GregMonarch on 17/03/2018 - 13:56

      They won't you know. Because we all know government won't prosecute the 'new' reason why people want it. Just like the UK/Germany/Sweden/Canada, the law will support the criminals/rapists/murderers, while silencing, punishing, and lying about the few people telling the truth. Oh there will be an initial increase alright. But after the 'woke' (comatose) politically-correct psychopaths get their way, people will figure what's the point and give up paying for security.

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