Video Surveillance — What’s Your Opinion?

[D W]

Originally Posted by Flybob

Not taking any side here, but rather pointing some facts.

There are all kinds of people in the world so there will always be someone who will do something you would not. It is best sometime to just ignore them and live your life.
Like it or not cameras are a part of everyday life. You are probably being recorded way more than you ever know. Most stores have video recording and many are equipped with facial recognition so not only do they know you are there, but they know who you are and quite possibly where you just came from.

Using some of the suggestions to defeat the neighbors cameras will only aggravate him an escalate the situation.

Most security cameras are motion activated and as such should be off if you are inside your RV.

I assume you spend time at the campground to relax and enjoy yourself. I would focus on that an not the neighbor. If you life is exciting enough that he enjoys watching it, feel sorry for him that his is not.

Well said Flybob!

[A32Deuce]

Originally Posted by oldsmasma

Although interesting this thread makes me sad. It’s a shame one pushy entitled idiot is allowed to diminish the enjoyment of others. Your situation would make me very uncomfortable. His surveillance would not make me feel safer. I am reminded how very lucky I am to live in a part of the world where my doors, windows and vehicles are still left unlocked. I hope you are able to find a solution.

They do that where I live and then wonder why people take their stuff!

[Slow Moon]

This is the most interesting thread in a long time. It's a thorny problem with no obvious right answer. Many of the answers here are great, and many are very funny!! Others are clearly offered with the intent to help. Kudos to all.

I've little to add, except that I see my neighbors fueding far to often. In matters with neighbors and all others, I apply one rule: Do the thing that makes your life easier (NOT HARDER) for the long run. This rule means NEVER do anything for revenge or spite. Think long and hard about what will make your life easier and do that.

Occasionally my rule requires me to do very nice things for people who do not deserve it at all. This can make it more difficult to apply my rule, but I know my life will be easier if I stick by my rule.

I'm sorry I cannot help apply my rule for your case. Only you can know how it applies in your case.

I wish you well.

[MiataHoarder]

I’ve had golf cart tires flattened. Sprinkler heads removed and driveway flooded. Propane hose pulled off. All this in a secure access RV Park. From the day we moved into the park model, this neighbor’s hostility was insurmountable. This included physical threats and swearing. Totally understand how some individuals just aren’t able to relate to others. I think the word is psychopath. So, after getting permission from park management, I installed a video surveillance system. Jerk neighbor immediately contacted management and requested photos of areas monitored by the cameras. My response was if he can’t see the camera, it won’t see him and he could forget about photos. Fortunately, there were no more incidents after the cameras were installed. We managed to avoid getting a Restraining Order, even though, we had witness affidavits regarding the outrageous behaviors.

You may never know what inspired your neighbor to spend the money for his system. Might be that someone hammered rebar through his air conditioner at some other park. Also, RV park WiFi isn’t as reliable as individually subscribed service. Your neighbor is probably paying lots of money for a reason. Do you think it’s because there isn’t anything better to watch on TV? Picture yourself reacting to a theft or property damage. What would you do?

If a friendly chat isn’t possible, the window film will insure your feeling of security just as your neighbor’s system insures his.

[PenJoe]

Originally Posted by MiataHoarder

I’ve had golf cart tires flattened. Sprinkler heads removed and driveway flooded. Propane hose pulled off. All this in a secure access RV Park. From the day we moved into the park model, this neighbor’s hostility was insurmountable. This included physical threats and swearing. Totally understand how some individuals just aren’t able to relate to others. I think the word is psychopath. So, after getting permission from park management, I installed a video surveillance system. Jerk neighbor immediately contacted management and requested photos of areas monitored by the cameras. My response was if he can’t see the camera, it won’t see him and he could forget about photos. Fortunately, there were no more incidents after the cameras were installed. We managed to avoid getting a Restraining Order, even though, we had witness affidavits regarding the outrageous behaviors.

You may never know what inspired your neighbor to spend the money for his system. Might be that someone hammered rebar through his air conditioner at some other park. Also, RV park WiFi isn’t as reliable as individually subscribed service. Your neighbor is probably paying lots of money for a reason. Do you think it’s because there isn’t anything better to watch on TV? Picture yourself reacting to a theft or property damage. What would you do?

If a friendly chat isn’t possible, the window film will insure your feeling of security just as your neighbor’s system insures his.

As you, we had hostility from our neighbors from the day we bought our lot. We made the mistake of buying a lot from a family surrounded by all of their relatives. We took it with a grain of salt for many years until they tried to start taking advantage and parking items on our property. We got a survey and took them to task. They had to move a fence, an outbuilding and a roadway. We removed another one for them. In turn, their relatives on the opposite side block off our access to the road. These two brothers are nephews to the actual easement owner and nephews of the person that we dislodged from our property. Six police reports (including an aggravated assault and vandalism) and a law suit/counter law suit, we now have control of our property and have actually gained property that we were told were easements. There is volumes deleted here for brevity. We could write a book.

After all of this, we were talking with the one relative we do get along with and we were told that other members of his family "hate our guts" and get extremely hostile to him when he tries to defend our actions. In their perspective, we don't belong on land from their relative's farm. So be it, we just smile when we hear their threats. But, one of these people has a volatile personality and I do consider him a threat for extreme violence. Some people just have an attitude that won't accept reality. They still keep trying to irritate and we still keep documenting. Maybe they will understand what an injunction is.

So for us, we will keep the cameras up. We have them on our own property and they keep "our neighbors" on notice. We have no problems getting along with our other neighbors, here and on our other property.