Unfaithful Neighbour Asked Me to Remove CCTV Cameras

I live in a townhouse with a shared driveway. A couple of months ago, a young family moved in. On my early morning jogs, I'd see the husband go to work. We made small talk and he told me that he often worked long hours and sometimes FIFO. A family man is a man I respect.

His wife recently confronted me about my CCTV cameras in the shared driveway. She said it made her feel uncomfortable and that she had privacy concerns. My cameras are pointed at my portion of the shared driveway and not into anyone's private space. With the rise of violent home invasions, my cameras are for everyone's safety.

I noticed the wife would sometimes have other men over. I didn't think much of it at first, perhaps a brother or a friend, until she raised her concerns regarding the cameras and I put two and two together. Are her privacy concerns genuine or does she want to discretely fool around whilst her husband is on FIFO?

I'm unsure of the outcome that she is expecting but she implied that she wants them removed. That certainly won't happen. Should this escalate, what can I do? Do I tell her husband and show him the footage of all the men in his house with his wife? Take it up with strata? Bikies?

Stay tuned.

Comments

  • +2

    Let's be honest, only dodgy people worry about cameras and being recorded in public because they have to pretend to be normal and not dodgy for the camera.

    • +2

      You're probably not a female

  • +3

    I noticed the wife would sometimes have other men over. I put two and two together…

    I asked my year 5 son what he thinks and he said his maths tells him that your neighbour wife is having foursomes.

  • +1

    stay out of it.

  • -1

    What state?
    The relevant act in NSW is the Surveillance Devices Act 2007, section 8: Installation, use and maintenance of optical surveillance devices without consent:

    (1) A person must not knowingly install, use or maintain an optical surveillance device on
    or within premises or a vehicle or on any other object, to record visually or observe
    the carrying on of an activity if the installation, use or maintenance of the device
    involves—
    (a) entry onto or into the premises or vehicle without the express or implied consent
    of the owner or occupier of the premises or vehicle, or
    (b) interference with the vehicle or other object without the express or implied
    consent of the person having lawful possession or lawful control of the vehicle or
    object.

    • -1

      Why the downvote? I thought what I wrote was very constructive and corrected a lot of erroneous comments

  • +3

    I noticed the wife would sometimes have other men over

    Hey OP, how did you “notice” the wife having other men over? Was it from the cameras, or just them being in the vicinity of your house?

    The camera I’m ambivalent about, but the fact that you “notice men visiting” part is a bit disturbing…

    • +2

      Same way people notice when a house in their street gets more than a few visitors and conclude that drugs are being dealt…

  • My response would be “I’ll show your husband the footage and we can come to an agreement that suits everyone”

  • -2

    "My cameras are pointed at my portion of the shared driveway" …

    so is it a shared driveway or not ?!?!????

    IE - is it common property???
    ESP if strata development.

    no matter what your neighbors may/may-not be doing … to me, it sounds like your CCTV setup may be - pushing the legal boundaries of what you legally are allowed to do.

  • Jonny sins our favourite electrician, plumber, chef, doctor, fireman, nurse, NFL player, ceo strikes again

    Poor lady needs someone to make the bed warm each night, it's getting cold yo

  • If I was the husband I would want to know and I would be grateful for the information however suspicious at first.

    What would a good neighbor do regarding the camera? have a meeting and discuss a compromise? perhaps move the camera, perhaps they buy it off you, perhaps you get an guard dog instead. idk…. being respectful there should always be compromises between stakeholders of some kind.

  • I think you'd get more excited discussion if you swapped "Unfaithful" with "Horny"…

  • +1

    Why are you checking the cameras when no incidents have occurred?

  • +3

    Or she could be dealing drugs the hubby is bringing home rather than FIFO and you may find yourself watching your back.

  • +2

    Just tell them that you don't review the footage unless there is a security incident or security incident that justifies it.

    Then shut up about anything that happens and don't hint or say anything to anyone about anything. It is none of the Op's business who visits. Sticking ones nose in other people's home lives is just destined for grief no matter which side you take.

    However, you need to determine what the policy is for anyone initiating and then asking for review because it should be the same for all Neighbours in the same neutral way. Just don't be the one to initiate snoopy hints. That way you can stay out of the drama. It's potentially a lose lose situation no matter what for you.

    Wife could be a vindictive car scratching tramp, but the husband might be a psychotic murderer.

  • +1

    To be fair, I don't like being filmed by other people either. Not that I'm doing shady things (maybe she isn't either). If the cctv is owned by strata,I wouldn't mind. But owned by another individual? I'd feel uncomfortable too.

    • Either way, someone might be watching it… so is there really a difference?

      Not saying that I do btw, it really is only there in the event of an issue or incident.

      • Here's a couple of differences off the top of my head:
        1. Strata would have a meeting and vote as to whether to install the cameras in the first place
        2. Strata would consider the placement of the camera to ensure adherence to any relevant by-laws
        3. Strata would listen to and consider any privacy concerns of people who would be affected
        4. There would be restrictions on access to the footage, as voted by the strata committee. Currently you unilaterally have full access and control
        5. There would presumably be a security, retention and privacy policy on the collected data. Currently you can share footage with whoever you feel like with no repercussions

        Basically it would be a group of (hopefully reasonable) people who decide the best course of action to ensure the common good of all affected as opposed to one person doing whatever they felt like.

  • +1

    what is the wifes number so i can follow this up with her?

  • +3

    Next time she bothers you about it I would just say that you don’t understand why she is making a big deal about it. I would also inform her that the cameras are recording for security purposes only and the only time you will access the footage is if there is a security incident so there is no threat to her privacy.

    Then I would archive all the footage of visitors and use it as leverage if they ever try to screw you over at a strata meeting or council approval. I’m sure she would be able to change her husbands mind if doing otherwise means she will loose half her home and the benefits of a FIFO husband.

    Besides she could be doing anything for all you know. Maybe she is dealing drugs.

  • +4

    lol this is a classic OZB shark jump.

    1. Someone wants cameras that record them removed.
    2. They have friends visit.
    3. Must be a cheater! It can be the only reason!!!!1!!
    • Misogynistic nonsense. Women can't be trusted around men while the husband is away!

      • +1

        LOL negged by a misogynist who didn't like to be called out on his behaviour

      • +1

        I think your comment is a tad ambiguous.
        Maybe an “As if” on the front of the second sentence with a question mark.

    • Yes just like most of the replies are thinking OP is preparing a compilation video.

  • +5

    There is no expectation of privacy to a driveway, shared or not. It's open to and visible from the street and to anyone coming down the driveway from posties to couriers to whoever.

    If your camera was positioned to view an area that an expectation of privacy would or should be expected (like a private open space, or a direct view into a bathroom), that's a different story.

    Don't change or remove the cameras.
    However what the camera has recorded (and your consequent assumptions) is no-one else's business. You should not be telling the husband or anyone else what may or may not have been recorded. You win nothing by offering the footage, other than risk to you and your family.

    Whether she wants the cameras removed or whether they make her uncomfortable makes absolutely no difference as the result should be the same.
    You are completely entitled to record your driveway, end of.

    How does she feel going to the shops, or the petrol station, or driving on a public road with dashcam users by the thousands?
    She is recorded every single day… and your driveway is no different.

    • -6

      Incorrect

      See my comment from above:

      The relevant act in NSW is the Surveillance Devices Act 2007, section 8: Installation, use and maintenance of optical surveillance devices without consent:

      (1) A person must not knowingly install, use or maintain an optical surveillance device on
      or within premises
      or a vehicle or on any other object, to record visually or observe
      the carrying on of an activity if the installation, use or maintenance of the device
      involves—
      (a) entry onto or into the premises or vehicle without the express or implied consent
      of the owner or occupier
      of the premises or vehicle, or
      (b) interference with the vehicle or other object without the express or implied
      consent of the person having lawful possession or lawful control of the vehicle or
      object.

      • +2

        The relevant act

        Doesn't apply, This is basically saying I can't enter a building/car and install a camera without permission.

      • +2

        @biltong

        You're aren't interpreting that clause correctly at all.

        He's NOT on anyone else's property. He is "using" or "maintaining" an optical device on his OWN property.
        You are equating those terms with where it's pointed, which is a completely different matter entirely and nothing to do with the legislation you are quoting.

        The camera IS installed on his own property. That legislation is about installing surveillance devices on property/vehicles you do not own and do not have permission of the owner or occupier to do so.

        You are most certainly 100% wrong in your interpretation.

        • -2

          OK in which case, I hope my comment was constructive in that the legislation supports what you were saying:
          I provided the 'relevant' part of the legislation, which upon a proper reading, seems to say that the OP's cameras are legal.
          I hope it helped.

          • +1

            @biltong2go: Wow… you don't like to apologise do you :) ?

            You wrongly quoted the wrong legislation to tell me that I'm wrong… so no, it hasn't helped me at all.
            A simple "apologises, you are right" would have sufficed, but you've dug down to still claim helpfulness?

            Your comment was neither constructive nor helpful because the legislation you've quoted has nothing to do with the issue at hand, as it relates specifically to installing surveillance devices on or in property you don't own or don't have occupier rights to. It doesn't 'prove' the OP's actions are legal because its not relevant legislation.

            I hope this helps.

  • +3

    Perhaps in casual convo with the fifo neighbour, OP brings up the cameras as a subject and mentions how good the little cheap ring doorbells. Perhaps an anecdotal story about how an old neighbour of OP had one and caught his teenage children bringing special friends over while they were at work. Plant some seeds.

  • +6

    I remember the days when I used to visit OzBargain for shopping deals now I use it for the latest neighborhood gossip! 🤣

  • I had that problem before stay out of tell her it only for crime your personally life is your personally life. leave it like that.

    • uhhh, what are you trying to say?

  • +2

    OP, by any chance, does your neighbour have a pineapple door knocker? e.g. this one 🍍

  • +1

    You know what, I've changed my mind. After reading all the responses on this thread, and being downvoted for mine (nothing new there), here is my updated advice:

    You go for it mate. Ring up that husband, and tell him you've seen men entering his wifes home all day. Offer to show him the footage. Tell him you've got plenty of proof. Do the right thing. Everyone will clap for you and the husband will definitely thank you for your service.

    • +2

      It's really not that hard to determine what to do: what would you want done if you were in the husband's position? There, you've figured out your moral position.

      This place is full of cockroaches that don't participate in the real world in any meaningful way.

      • You're not wrong. If I were the husband I would definitely want to know if the guy next door had cameras trained on the driveway, that my wife had asked to have them removed, and that the guy next door was watching all these men come and go and had my back. OP should definitely tell him.

        And then post back here on how it went.

  • I live in a BC & have security cameras. I made a specific point of arranging my cameras so they dont cover common areas & access ways to other peoples properties. They cover MY entrances only.

    Having your cameras cover common property invites too many problems. I actually lost footage of a pizza delivery guy getting robbed in the common driveway because of this, my camera was angled so it didn't capture anything useful, just the headlights & voices. Disappointing, but having neighbours come to me whenever they want footage or complaining about the cameras isn't worth it.

    • +1

      There is zero reason you can't monitor open/public/common areas. Zero problems.

  • +2

    Sounds like a great new season of Desperate Housewives! I guess the neighbour's wife has to give OP some real special attention to bribe him to shut up. 😆

  • -3

    Send an anonymous letter to thw husbands with something cryptic about loyalty. But by all means, dont make it personal or get involved, there is always a chance you have misinterpreted the situation.

  • +7

    Shit take. Women is visited by a man = she is unfaithful!

    OP - you are part of the problem.

    • +2

      This. But I'm hanging out for the followup post where the OP tells the husband about The Men and all of his footage. I really hope OP does it now.

      • Followed by “why did this guy punch me in the face, I was just trying to do him a solid”?

    • -3

      It is not a man, it was men - plural, multiple male individuals. Could they be just friend and family - yes, they could. Could she be conducting some legitimate home-based business, like male barber that involves mostly male customers - sure it is possible. Could she be conducting some legitimate home-based business - architect, psychologist, designer, podiatrist… and that by sheer coincidence most of her clients that OP observed are male - yes definitely possible. Could it be that she is offering sex services or dealing drugs from home - yes that is an option too.

      Now, out of all those options how likely is that she would complain about cameras and privacy in all those but the latest case - yes, possible she could complain about privacy in all those legitimate cases, and if that is the case no harm asking her FIFO husband to address that with the OP neighbour as they already struck a great rapport instead of doing it directly and raising suspicions.

      The only question I have, are these men also visiting frequently when husband is at home?

        • Thank you for your kind words @picklewizard
          I admire your debating skills

  • +4

    Tell her your wife suspects you are having an affair so the CCTV needs to be there to prove your innocence.

  • +2

    Reading the comments and I have to say I'm shocked by how pathetic people are these days.

    Starting with "unfaithful" in the title without any evidence of that. Even the alleged "two and two together" doesn't make it real.

    She might be just worried about a creepy neighbour potentially spying on her instead of a neighbour randomly seeing guys coming over.

    Just a few alternative realities for reflection, if you are keen to judge people by their home visitors:
    -She works from home and have clients over for whatever reason is more obvious than cheating on her husband. I can easily think about many professions that would easily explain that.
    -She enjoys being in an ethical open relationship and having a lot of sex with other guys.

    In any case, how is that anyone else's (profanity) business? That is my main concern about so many people believing it's OK to make (stupid) assumptions and act on those assumptions. I guess that reflects the Australian nanny state which is often appreciated by people who do not respect people's autonomy and basic rights.

    About the cameras, you can probably seek legal advice instead of reading multiple opinions of people who don't actually know the answer.

    I can't say I'd be completely comfortable with a neighbour directing a camera to a shared driveway, although I don't mind having strata approved cameras everywhere in the building. Building manager must respect confidentiality. A curious neighbour "does not", which is problematic.

    I have cameras installed outside and was very careful to make sure they only record my property and private area.

    • She might a victim of an abusive relationship and has a group of friends who drop in to see if she is OK, but can only do say when controlling hubby is away. Showing him the footage might enrage him so much that he kills her and the cops will ask what triggered him. Then they can come have a chat with the creepy neighbour who triggered it by showing hubby the footage and now has his name plastered all over the news.

      • -3

        Yeah, not surprised at the negs given the demographic here. This could, easily, be a valid concern.

        • -2

          Yup, just confirming what I said.

      • I remember my kids in primary school learning about elementary probability and difference between terms: certain, likely/probable, unlikely, and impossible.

        While we all can construct all the unlikely even impossible explanations, there is a logical principle called Occam's razor that loosely means the simplest explanations is probably the correct one.

        The only question I have, are these men also visiting frequently when husband is at home?

        • +1

          Is it any of your business?

          You (along with numerous others on this thread) seem to be getting deeply invested in what is more than likely a troll post - more Occam's razor.

          • -2

            @jackspratt: @jackspratt if you ask me is my business what neighbour is doing when her husband is away - no, not at all. Would I tell husband if I was in OP's shoes - no, I would not unless approached first by husband about his suspicions on the matter about his wife.

            On the matter of being deeply invested, it seems that you are ignoring numerous deeply invested apologists who are vehemently defending neighbour and her request for camera removal and inventing unlikely scenarios to support such argument - I was trying to point that simplest explanation may be reasonable, if there are numerous men visiting her only when her husband is away it is unlikely that she has genuine privacy concerns.

            Also, just like she has a right to host anyone for any reason in privacy of her home (and it should be no one's business), she has no right demanding from OP to remove cameras installed on his property even if they are pointing to public/common areas.

            And whether OP is trolling - I don't know, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt this time

    • She might be just worried about a creepy neighbour potentially spying on her instead of a neighbour randomly seeing guys coming over.

      Thats a bit of a stretch… who in their right mind would be worried about a camera facing a shared driveway… what kind of kicks do you think someone gets out of seeing a car drive past or 5 seconds of walking… if she was worried about being filmed, i certainly doubt she would be bold enough to confront said pervert alone…

      Just a few alternative realities for reflection, if you are keen to judge people by their home visitors:
      -She works from home and have clients over for whatever reason is more obvious than cheating on her husband. I can easily think about many professions that would easily explain that.

      Elaborate.
      And why don’t those men visit while the husband is home?

      -She enjoys being in an ethical open relationship and having a lot of sex with other guys.

      “Ethical open relationship”… LOL
      Might want to look up what ethics are…

      In any case, how is that anyone else's (profanity) business?

      Its not really.
      But understandable that the OP might feel some ethical dilemma if he feels the neighbours husband is been hard done by or unfairly treated.
      (FWIW: This was the correct use of ethical)

      That is my main concern about so many people believing it's OK to make (stupid) assumptions and act on those assumptions. I guess that reflects the Australian nanny state which is often appreciated by people who do not respect people's autonomy and basic rights.

      If the neighbour had the right to act how they want, what on earth prohibits the OP from acting how he wants?

      Are you saying only the neighbour has the right to do what they want?

      I swear so many people fail to see their own hypocrisy when using arguments like this…

      About the cameras, you can probably seek legal advice instead of reading multiple opinions of people who don't actually know the answer.

      Fair call, but why go on to say this?

      I can't say I'd be completely comfortable with a neighbour directing a camera to a shared driveway, although I don't mind having strata approved cameras everywhere in the building.

      Why discredit people’s input then add your own?

      Building manager must respect confidentiality. A curious neighbour "does not", which is problematic.

      Who is to say the strata manager isn’t a massive pervert?

      Thanks for the entertaining read though.

      • Won't keep this going back and forward.
        Just that for you: https://anchorlighttherapy.com/types-of-open-relationships/
        This might be a very entertaining read for you as well.

        Now you can keep providing your opinion about things that you don't know, which is pretty much my only point here: there are thousands of reasons why she might be getting visitors at her place, and none of them is my/your/anybody else's business. People applying their own truth to other people is one of the reasons why society is pretty shit.

        Having a camera directed to a shared driveway has legal/privacy implications independently of the reasons why someone might want the camera to be removed or not. This has nothing to do with one individual case and "why this lady is having guests".

        • -1

          Won't keep this going back and forward.

          Thats probably for the best as you failed to answer any of the questions.

          Just that for you: https://anchorlighttherapy.com/types-of-open-relationships/
          This might be a very entertaining read for you as well.

          Pass.
          I don’t need some second rate random website to teach me what ethics or morality is.

          Now you can keep providing your opinion about things that you don't know,

          As can you.

          which is pretty much my only point here:

          Mmmm, not so sure about that.

          there are thousands of reasons why she might be getting visitors at her place,

          Humour me, name a few and throw a few hypotheticals as to why these dudes wouldn’t visit when the husband is home.
          Cant be hard to pick a couple out of a thousand…

          and none of them is my/your/anybody else's business. People applying their own truth to other people is one of the reasons why society is pretty shit.

          People denying other people to live their life they way they see fit is worse.

          You think the neighbour is the only one entitled to do what they want? So is the OP…
          How you can’t see your own flawed logic is demonstrative of what is wrong with society.

          Having a camera directed to a shared driveway has legal/privacy implications independently of the reasons why someone might want the camera to be removed or not.

          What are those implications?
          Got a reference?
          Otherwise its just you giving your opinion and we know how you feel about that:

          seek legal advice instead of reading multiple opinions of people who don't actually know the answer.

    • -1

      It's a clickbait title. I don't think most OZBers take it seriously.

      If OP didn't juice it up a bit, no body would have bothered.

  • +3

    Gemini says:
    In Victoria, the relevant regulations for CCTV cameras in shared driveways fall under the Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic) and potentially the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic) if the property is part of an owners corporation (strata).

    Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic):

    Private Activity: It is illegal to record a private activity without the consent of the person or people involved. Private activity can include activities in areas where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, even in a shared space like a driveway.
    Reasonable Expectation of Privacy: Whether someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy in a shared driveway depends on factors like the positioning of the camera, the scope of its view, and the nature of the activities being captured.
    Exceptions: There are exceptions for recording activities that the person is a party to, or for recording non-private activities.
    Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic):

    By-Laws: If the townhouse is part of an owners corporation, the by-laws may have specific rules about the installation and use of surveillance devices. It's important to consult these by-laws.
    Common Property: Shared driveways are often considered common property. Alterations or installations on common property usually require approval from the owners corporation.
    Practical Considerations:

    Camera Placement: Ensure the camera is positioned to minimize capturing the neighbour's private activities. Focus on capturing only the shared driveway and the person's own property.
    Notice: It's good practice to inform neighbours about the presence of the camera, its purpose (security), and the areas it covers. This can help address privacy concerns and avoid misunderstandings.
    Data Handling: Be aware of the legal requirements for handling and storing recorded footage. The Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic) has provisions regarding data retention and access.
    Recommendations:

    Review the Legislation: Read the relevant sections of the Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic) and any applicable owners corporation by-laws.
    Consult with Neighbors: Open communication is crucial. Talk to the neighbour, explain the security concerns, and try to address their privacy concerns.
    Seek Mediation: If an agreement can't be reached, consider mediation through a neutral third party.
    Legal Advice: If the dispute escalates, seek legal advice to understand your rights and obligations under Victorian law.
    Remember, the key is to find a balance between security and privacy. By understanding the regulations and communicating openly with your neighbour, it's often possible to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

  • +1

    Leave the cameras.

    If you run into the other men, strike up a friendly convo and try ask what relationship he has with her. Brother, cousin etc. note down their visits.

    I would stay out of it. But next time you see the husband, have the small chat again and say, oh I spoke to your wife's "brother", you know the one with the short blonde hair and arm tattoo, he's been here this week 2 times. He's a nice guy. And let the husband deal with it. If he asks for proof from your Cameras, your choice to give it.

  • -1

    It's definitely the right thing to do to inform the husband of your concerns about the wife bringing a regular stream of random males through the shared portion of the property. After that though, you can happily leave it to him as to how he deals with that info. They may be business clients, or she may be getting run through by half of tinder. Who knows, who cares? It's definitely the obvious decision to make though, in terms of letting the husband know.

    Best case scenario, nothing comes of it. Worst case scenario, at least you will have given him enough time to get his personal finances and cards in order with a divorce lawyer before he detoxifies his life.

  • -1

    Be a good neighbour and don't interfere. In both cases, it's their business. Sounds like you were confronted and want to retaliate. Perfectly natural. Maybe look at their perspective and see if the camera looks like it's pointing towards their house.

  • +12

    A quick look at the OP's post history on OzB https://www.ozbargain.com.au/user/272501/nodes shows that he/she is a serial troll.

    While the thread raises some interesting legal and moral questions, it can safely be ignored as a genuine request for advice from the OP.

    • It could even be AI, the titles and bodies are almost too familiar.

    • Which one exactly is a troll? Air purifiers? Car servicing? Real estate questions?

      • Start with the title of your OP, and work your way backwards.

        • Alright buddy. You continue posting about Taylor Swift. Your life must be as interesting as paint drying.

  • hypothetically, there could be a simple solution.

    If the wife is indeed cheating on her FIFO husband, you could just offhand comment tell the husband, they get into a domestic argument, he divocurces her broke arse and she moves out, she's gone, no more camera complaints :D

    Everyone wins. The faithful husband and you.

    oh…maybe not everyone, wait… i got it. The wife then pursues her true love who she was shagging under the radar!

    /pat-on-back.

  • +3

    Her potential infidelity is irrelevant. As long as said cameras do not impinge on their privacy keep them there.

  • I don't think it's any of your business to point out to the husband about his wife's affairs… Stand your ground about cameras as it's for your safety which is allowed by the law and if the woman keeps pushing, tell you'd inform the police for harrasment

  • +1

    She might have a home massage service with a Hello Ending…….

    Also you avator have gave you away as a troll……..

    • +1

      Your avatar gave you away as a virgin.

      Maybe I just enjoy a succulent chinese meal?

  • Do the right thing and tell the neighbour's husband - I'm sure he will appreciate the gesture.

    If cheaters gotta cheat, have some respect and don't do it in their marital home and complain about someone else's CCTV. FFS.

    Besides, in this piece of brown land, it's all no-fault divorce anyway, so infidelity is immaterial.

    • -2

      In this piece of brown land, people aren't usually weasily dobbers - you may be an exception.

      And people also mind their own business - again, you ….

  • Any update?

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