Invasion of privacy and harrasment

[simep]

Hi, an anyone help with this:
I work for a motor dealer and drive many different cars, sometimes a different one every day. For the last months or so, one of my neigbours has been seen photographing cars on my private drive way. My house has a protective covenant on it which forbids any use in connection with a business. I have received several letters from this neighbours solicitor stating that I am selling used cars from my house...which I am not. I have written back to his solictor and said that there is no business use going on and that his client should not UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES photograph anything on my property; especially as I have 2 young children in the house and sometimes play outside. This situation came to a head last weekend when I caught him photographing me as I exited my car. After a face-to-face in the street, I have decided that I want to take this matter further but am not sure how the Police could help me. Do I need photogrphic/video evidance of him photographing me, do I need witness'? What law is he breaking? Any assistance would be welcome

[RATTER15]

I don't think he is breaking any laws actually, the police could have a word with him and threaten disturbing the peace or harassment!!

[leela]

If the male is taking photographs then this is against the law as it is of your property and of you or your children if you haven't given permission. People are not allowed to go around doing this. This is why so many celebrities take harassment cases out on the paparazzi.
If you have tried sorting this matter out through civil measures and your solicitor can't do anything else then you can report the male to the Police who will investigate your complaint.
You don't necessarily need evidence but it may be hard to prove he is doing it if you don't. Speak to neighbours if you get along with them and see if they have seen him do it and if so if they would give a statement to police as this would support you case. hope this helps?

[Ethel]

It is not in any way illegal to take photos of anyone, adult or child, in a public place.

http://phooto.co.uk/rights.shtml

Owners of property do not have the right to prevent the photographing of their property from a public place.

It is illegal to harass another, and the taking of photographs could amount to harassment - if the 'victim' suffers alarm or distress and there has been at least two occurrences.

The UK does not recognise 'invasion of privacy' as such, but the European Convention on Human Rights gives everyone the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.

Using a telephoto lens into a person's home would probably be a contravention of this, regardless of where the photo was taken from. But taking photos of something any passing person can see probably doesn't. Would one expect an open front drive to be private? Is your drive clearly visible to the highway?

Sadly, it is not black and white.

However, telephone the police for advice. Tell the police this man's behaviour is frightening your children. Keep a diary of events - this will help your case.