Dylan said:
@HavenGuard
I thought about the infrared light thing, but I care more about the daytime when my kids are outside playing, I’m doing yard work, or when we’re sitting on the porch.
Even during the day, a bright IR light can still interfere with the camera. Think of it like looking at a flashlight—it makes it harder to see clearly.
@Amber
An infra-red panel like they use in theatres washes out any images the cam sees.
Unfortunately, with your neighbor, the relationship is already strained. The camera gives him the opportunity to provoke you while avoiding being recorded himself. He could even frame you as the aggressor. Get your own camera system to protect yourself. Once he knows he’s being recorded too, he may back off.
@Gerald
I think you’re right. Every time he confronts me, it’s in the part of the yard his camera covers. He even put up a sign on the property line facing my house to provoke me.
Dylan said:
@Gerald
I think you’re right. Every time he confronts me, it’s in the part of the yard his camera covers. He even put up a sign on the property line facing my house to provoke me.
The sign says it all. He’s probably trying to provoke a reaction.
@Gerald
He thinks he’s an intimidating alpha male type. In reality, he’s a short, fat, balding guy with a Napoleon complex. He thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. You probably gathered all that from the sign though.
@Dylan
I know the type, and unfortunately, they often see humility as weakness. With three children, you have reasons to maintain control, and that’s his strength over you—he knows you can’t afford to escalate. The best thing you can do is protect yourself with cameras, and maybe he’ll eventually stop.
@Gerald
Thank you for your kind and well-thought-out message. It means a lot.
@Dylan
Please don’t listen to all the people suggesting escalation. De-escalation or disengagement is the safest and smartest response.
Rosalie said:
@Dylan
Please don’t listen to all the people suggesting escalation. De-escalation or disengagement is the safest and smartest response.
We have tried over and over. It’s good for a few months until he tries to confront us again in the front yard while I’m playing with my kids. We think he may be bipolar.
@Dylan
I’m sorry to hear that. Dealing with someone who might have a mental health issue is tough. Maybe there’s a way to engage his family or find a peaceful resolution through community resources.
Assuming you’re in the US and it’s not looking into your home, this is probably legal.
The way it was explained to me is that a camera can’t point into places where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy, like your bedroom. If it’s only showing public spaces, it’s probably legal.
You should just find a laser pointer that will destroy the camera lens or get a WiFi blocker and put it close to the camera on your property. He won’t have a clue what’s happening.
Myself, I’d get a strong laser pointer (green) and point it at the camera lens. The constant motion thing is a good idea too if you want to fill up the storage.
Layla said:
Myself, I’d get a strong laser pointer (green) and point it at the camera lens. The constant motion thing is a good idea too if you want to fill up the storage.
Using lasers like this is illegal in most states, destruction of property.