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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Neighbour films us from her house

92 replies

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 20:51

Will try to keep details vague on the off chance the neighbour is on here.

We live opposite this woman, and over the last few months she has sat in her front window and watched us everyday. Harmless enough, maybe she is bored.

Then she started making gestures to us as we left. Still pretty harmless, the V fingers, middle finger, sometimes the wanker sign if she got arsey about something.

But now we have noticed she is filming us. She will sit in her usual watching position with her phone out, but the angle she is sitting at means you can see she isn't scrolling on her phone (holding it one handed, other hand visible, not scrolling, it would be impossible to see etc.)

Either she isn't filming, but wants us to think she is, or she is filming.

She seems to always know when we move outside our front door - the second we open it, she's there. If someone drives up and parks outside out house, she is at her window in an instant, filming. She films the children as they arrive and leave, which is a concern in and of itself.

We've just got a video system because we're concerned about if she escalates this further and comes onto our property (you cannot see into her house with this).

AIBU to want to report her to the police?

OP posts:
IdisagreeMrHochhauser · 26/06/2024 22:37

If she's paranoid - and I'm not saying she is but it's possible - then it probably manifests more like this in women and in violence for men. Report it to the police.

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 22:36

Atethehalloweenchocs · 26/06/2024 22:35

I said it is not clear what is going on or why and it is possible this woman is unhinged. But OP has made a string of nasty judgmental comments that imply that a single older woman must be a bitter nasty old hag who is crazy. I was sympathetic at first, but the tone of the comments makes me think there is more going on here that we are being told.

Starting to think you're my neighbour to be honest

OP posts:
Atethehalloweenchocs · 26/06/2024 22:35

SilverDoe · 26/06/2024 22:33

I am sorry but no. Don’t victim blame the OP and tell her it’s her fault somebody with their own issues, behaving appallingly, is her fault.

Any normal person with healthy boundaries and perspective would not be doing these things.

I said it is not clear what is going on or why and it is possible this woman is unhinged. But OP has made a string of nasty judgmental comments that imply that a single older woman must be a bitter nasty old hag who is crazy. I was sympathetic at first, but the tone of the comments makes me think there is more going on here that we are being told.

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 22:35

Atethehalloweenchocs · 26/06/2024 22:33

Quite why you think I would go over and meet someone who films me and makes gestures at me I do not know!

It would have been neighbourly to meet her when you moved in. You dont know what she is doing, but as the PP said, why would you not go and try to find out what is going on. You may well have done something offensive which she is reacting to.

I'm quite secure in knowing I haven't done anything that justifies me being intimidated on my own property, thank you.

OP posts:
Atethehalloweenchocs · 26/06/2024 22:33

Quite why you think I would go over and meet someone who films me and makes gestures at me I do not know!

It would have been neighbourly to meet her when you moved in. You dont know what she is doing, but as the PP said, why would you not go and try to find out what is going on. You may well have done something offensive which she is reacting to.

SilverDoe · 26/06/2024 22:33

I am sorry but no. Don’t victim blame the OP and tell her it’s her fault somebody with their own issues, behaving appallingly, is her fault.

Any normal person with healthy boundaries and perspective would not be doing these things.

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 22:32

Noseybookworm · 26/06/2024 22:29

Aren't you tempted to go over and ask her why she is making obscene gestures at you and why she is filming you and your children? I'd want to know! And I'd be telling her if it doesn't stop, I'll be reporting her to police.

In a way yes, but I don't want to provoke her

OP posts:
ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 22:32

Atethehalloweenchocs · 26/06/2024 22:31

Just saying what has been told to me

Yes, that is literally what gossip is. And it is often toxic.And I highly doubt that someone just walked up to you in the street, told you that and then walked off.

I have never spoken to this woman, but she sits in her house filming me and my kids everyday!

So you have not bothered to be friendly or go to meet her?

It is always possible she is unhinged. But the tone and content of your comments on her motivation and reasons is nasty and judgmental (single, older, childless, lonely = bitter, worthless and sexually frustrated). If that is how you behave or think you are probably transmitting that to her. ,

Quite why you think I would go over and meet someone who films me and makes gestures at me I do not know!

OP posts:
Atethehalloweenchocs · 26/06/2024 22:31

Just saying what has been told to me

Yes, that is literally what gossip is. And it is often toxic.And I highly doubt that someone just walked up to you in the street, told you that and then walked off.

I have never spoken to this woman, but she sits in her house filming me and my kids everyday!

So you have not bothered to be friendly or go to meet her?

It is always possible she is unhinged. But the tone and content of your comments on her motivation and reasons is nasty and judgmental (single, older, childless, lonely = bitter, worthless and sexually frustrated). If that is how you behave or think you are probably transmitting that to her. ,

Noseybookworm · 26/06/2024 22:29

Aren't you tempted to go over and ask her why she is making obscene gestures at you and why she is filming you and your children? I'd want to know! And I'd be telling her if it doesn't stop, I'll be reporting her to police.

Thecatspjymas · 26/06/2024 22:23

Report to the police via online form. They won't do anything right away, but it helps build a picture.

Hogglehedge · 26/06/2024 22:19

We are going through this OP. Very similar circumstances and can relate to some replies and agree. Its awful. Huge hugs.

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 22:08

Atethehalloweenchocs · 26/06/2024 22:07

Jesus, if this is the kind of neighbourhood gossip being spread, no wonder she is flipping people off. You have trotted out every misogynistic, ageist, sexist trope in your posts, and wonder why she seems not keen on you. I was sympathetic to you until this post, and now think this just sounds like nasty neighbours on a witch hunt.

Just saying what has been told to me - I have never spoken to this woman, but she sits in her house filming me and my kids everyday!

OP posts:
Atethehalloweenchocs · 26/06/2024 22:07

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 21:53

Apparently according to one neighbour along the road, she is lonely and also sexually frustrated 😳 not sure it makes me feel any better about her behaviour, but the craziness can be explained in some way I guess?

Jesus, if this is the kind of neighbourhood gossip being spread, no wonder she is flipping people off. You have trotted out every misogynistic, ageist, sexist trope in your posts, and wonder why she seems not keen on you. I was sympathetic to you until this post, and now think this just sounds like nasty neighbours on a witch hunt.

Dotto · 26/06/2024 22:05

If I was you and I owned my home I would not report to the police unless in extremis, as you'd have to declare it upon sale, but would keep an eye on her for escalation. If it escalated I'd move.

Irridescantshimmmer · 26/06/2024 21:59

The rude gestures, are anti social and she is determined to cause offense, I would log these incidents as well as those where she is filming your kids entering and leaving your house.

She's completely unhinged and needs to stop causing offence or she will be threatened with court action......if you contact the council and log the incidents with this neighbour plus with video evidence they can start a process of warnings etc.

The more 'neutral' you can be towards her the better. I know this is easier said than done but it may put you and your family in a stronger position because you are innocent.

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 21:53

Apparently according to one neighbour along the road, she is lonely and also sexually frustrated 😳 not sure it makes me feel any better about her behaviour, but the craziness can be explained in some way I guess?

OP posts:
3rdtimeinflorida · 26/06/2024 21:49

Yes I could write a book about the problems we have had with our narcissistic, menopausal, bitter, single, no friends or family ever seen around at her house neighbour. Far too much time on her hands (hasn’t worked for years due to ill health). Hates to see/hear a happy family getting on with their lives. We have had to involve the police so they have at least got things on record just incase she completely loses her mind.

Mouswife · 26/06/2024 21:48

I’d speak with police to get this logged honestly. Especially as she is filming the kids. They can make a referral to adult services as she is clearly in need of mh support

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 21:45

TipsyKoala · 26/06/2024 21:43

Agreed, I think all this, combined with loneliness often leads to an all consuming bitterness and poor mental health. If we had visitors we knew we could expect some kind of reaction/ harassment from our awful neighbour shortly after.

It's always when people approach from a certain direction (past her house) that she seems to come out. Makes me wonder if there's a sensor or something

OP posts:
TipsyKoala · 26/06/2024 21:43

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 21:39

Our best guess is she's suffered infertility, now going through the menopause and realising our life of lots of children to visit isn't attainable for her anymore

Agreed, I think all this, combined with loneliness often leads to an all consuming bitterness and poor mental health. If we had visitors we knew we could expect some kind of reaction/ harassment from our awful neighbour shortly after.

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 21:40

SilverDoe · 26/06/2024 21:29

Oh God, I have one of these. I moved to a new flat last year after sone traumatic neighbour related behaviour (that was very bad but not aimed at us in any way, think gang activity).

Unfortunately, I would take the drug addicts and dealers 10 times over, instead of this stress. Ours has come out many times during the 20 seconds or so the kids are in the communal hallway on the way to school. So much stuff, so many incidents. She has run out to shout and swear at us just coming and going. Stood in the hallway and stared at us in my mums car when we are just popping directions in the sat nav. Nasty letters through the door. Malicious reports to social services.

We made the mistake, having never experienced this, of being extremely shaken and upset and thinking there is something genuinely wrong with us, deserving this behaviour. Its been a year and we are still working on not being bothered. It is extremely hard and exhausting.

I would report her. In my limited experience the police dont care, especially when it is older single women. They really don’t see it as a threat or priority, but keep persevering as really it is harassment and at least antisocial behaviour. You may have better luck on the ASB side but I struggle with the fact that every agency looks at mediation; as people like this can’t be reasoned with, it is a waste of time and IMO puts you at further risk of being targeted.

After a year, a nervous breakdown, self referral to SS and MH support, and many tears and awful days, I have decided the next confrontation she instigates, I will be biting back and seeing how she likes it.

My concern is she must know our daily routine by now, and thus knows when people are home alone/coming and going

OP posts:
EternalSunshine19 · 26/06/2024 21:39

"Then she started making gestures to us as we left. Still pretty harmless, the V fingers, middle finger, sometimes the wanker sign if she got arsey about something."

hahaha 😂i wouldn't say these were harmless gestures

ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 21:39

SilverDoe · 26/06/2024 21:35

Why is it always older women? Is there a specific MH issue this kind if behaviour relates to?

Our best guess is she's suffered infertility, now going through the menopause and realising our life of lots of children to visit isn't attainable for her anymore

OP posts:
ChunkyChips76 · 26/06/2024 21:38

Simpsonssky · 26/06/2024 21:27

Her behaviour is completely unreasonable and concerning and I think reporting it to the police so they have it on file is sensible.

I am curious, what are your best guesses as to why she is so angry with you and suspicious of you? When did you/they move in? Are there cultural differences? Parking issues? Garden management differences? What are the other neighbours like? How did you get the house and why did the last lot leave.

Nothing would make her behaviour OK but I just like to try and figure where unusual behaviour comes from. Helps me to decide how to tackle it.

How come they have so much time in their hands? Have you ever spoken to them?

We've been here longer than she has

Think it's either something to do with us having a lot of family to visit when she seemingly has none, or because we have a good relationship with our neighbours and she feels left out

OP posts: