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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Neighbour flying a drone above our garden

31 replies

MonaLisaDoesntSmile · 15/09/2020 21:06

So today was a nice evening, so I thought I would bathe my toddlers in the garden. I put their baths out, bathed them, rbought them inside and then went out to grab a few of their toys. I then noticed a really loud 'humming' sound, looked up and saw a drone hovering over our garden. I went inside, observed, it was there for a good few minutes, right above us.
I first thought someone was observing the neighbourhood, we have a few burglary attempts in the neighbourhood, so got a bit paranoid, but then the drone went sideways and started going down, so I went into the garden and saw it land a few doors down. I don't know the neighbour, we're not on speaking terms, only seen him a few times. I am not sure if he filmed my kids naked, I think I would have heard the drone, but dont know how it got there so quick between me getting the kids in and going out to grab the toys.
I called out a few times Hello/Excuse me, he completely ignored me, although he heard me (the drone was switched off by then)- he looked my way and then turned around. So I called out again and when I thought I got his attention I asked whether he would mind not flying the drone above out garden, he waved his hand in a 'whatever' gesture and turned around.
So now Im double pissed off, first that he was hovering that stupid drone about our garden like if he could not use his, secondly that he could have said sorry whatever, but was a d* about it.

Am I overreacting?

OP posts:
Cakeandcustard123 · 15/09/2020 21:10

I'd be phoning 101 and asking them for advice. He shouldn't be flying it in a built up area and certainly not over your garden.

wineandroses1 · 15/09/2020 21:13

Do you have a super soaker water gun? If so keep it to hand and if the drone flies over again soak it! Some of those guns project quite a powerful jet of water which will probably bring the drone down.

See how he likes them apples.

LM101 · 15/09/2020 21:13

No I would be annoyed. It’s an invasion of privacy regardless if your kids are naked or not. If you ask nicely (again) maybe pop down and knock on the door and explain you don’t want your children to be on film so you would appreciate it if he didn’t fly the drone over your garden.

If he doesn’t listen maybe you are watering your garden / playing with the hose with the kids next time?

CuppaZa · 15/09/2020 21:13

I’d also call 101

Aquamarine1029 · 15/09/2020 21:14

If he is recording you, he is breaking data protection laws and invading your privacy. He is also probably violating drone distancing regulations. I would have a firm word and call the police if necessary.

Mamascoven · 15/09/2020 21:15

You might live near me. Iv had the same problem this evening !

ErrolTheDragon · 15/09/2020 21:16

No, you're not overreacting.

Were any of these rules not being obeyed?

^ • to keep your drone in sight at all times and stay below 400ft
• not to fly your drone over a congested area, never fly within 50 metres of a person, vehicle or building not under your control
• ensure any images you obtain using the drone do not break privacy laws^

C&P'd from:
www.gov.uk/government/news/drones-are-you-flying-yours-safely-and-legally

CoronaIsWatching · 15/09/2020 21:19

Well you've already asked him not to fly it over your garden. If he does it again then go down the 101 route

TeenPlusTwenties · 15/09/2020 21:19

Not all 'drones' have cameras.
He should have insurance but it will be invalid flying close to houses.
He should also have registered these days too.

This link might help bmfa.org/Multi-Rotors

Totickleamockingbird · 15/09/2020 21:20

Call 101.

ColleagueFromMars · 15/09/2020 21:22

I would probably keep a broom/rake/throwing net handy...

Celticdawn5 · 15/09/2020 21:23

I had an altercation with someone flying a drone over my house and garden during lockdown.He never returned .
I had looked up the drone flying regulations on the CAA website so was confident of my ground. The rules had been amended Nov 2019( I think) He was less sure, even tried to argue .
There are strict rules about distance and where drones can be flown so it should be a police matter.

AddictedToRadley · 15/09/2020 21:28

Agree with other posters about calling 101 for advice. It would be a huge worry for me. We had a neighbour taking photos of my DC having an alfresco bath in the garden and the police went round and checked his images. He was apparently taking ‘evidence’ of noise from our DC having fun and squealing! The police warned him not to do it again and thankfully he moved not long after.
Definitely worth telling the police your concerns as they may already be aware of him doing this to others.

Levatrice · 15/09/2020 21:31

Why would you not report this? I would have phoned at the time especially with his attitude ?!

Beautiful3 · 15/09/2020 21:32

Call 101 and tell them that he may have recorded your naked children on the garden. They'll soon pop out to check his footage and give him a warning. Drones are not allowed to film residential areas.

Serin · 15/09/2020 21:33

This happened to us, and my DD, who was sunbathing, shot it down with an air rifle.

OliviaBenson · 15/09/2020 21:34

We had this and reported to the police who went around and stamped on it pretty quickly. Report to them and say concerned about recording your children.

ItchyScratch · 15/09/2020 21:35

YANBU I’d be raging at that.
Surely that’s invasion of privacy.

espressoontap · 15/09/2020 21:40

Throw something at it. What a bastard.

mrsBtheparker · 15/09/2020 21:41

I would probably keep a broom/rake/throwing net handy...

A few people keep the air pistol handy, can make a real mess!.

Ceilingfan · 15/09/2020 21:41

The fact he may have filmed your children naked if enough on its own to call 101 for advice.

Then all the regulations he is breaking flying a drone, probably unregistered and not passed his test either.

Please report

AfterSchoolWorry · 15/09/2020 21:43

@Serin

This happened to us, and my DD, who was sunbathing, shot it down with an air rifle.
Good !

Did you meet the owner of the stone and what was their reaction?

AriesTheRam · 15/09/2020 21:46

@Serin your daughter is brill 😀

Tavannach · 15/09/2020 21:46

This happened to us, and my DD, who was sunbathing, shot it down with an air rifle

Well done her.

Original poster
MonaLisaDoesntSmile · 15/09/2020 21:48

It's late now but I will ring 101 tomorrow, I didnt know if I had a case or not.
The drone was too high for us to reach with broom or water gun, but still... I was just pissed of as it was there for a good few minutes without moving!

I kind of regret trying to speak to him as he will know it was me who reported him, but hey ho, if he was nice about it there would be no case. Just need to figure out his door number.

@TeenPlusTwenties - most new drones have cameras. It looks like it may be a new toy and he was trying it out. And at any rate because he was a bum I am not gonna go to speak to him and check.

OP posts: