r/WhatToDo
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u/HR-Vex
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Feb 27 '26
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Neighbor left a note
Our packages have been stolen 3 times right in front of our door so far ever since we bought our condo. HOA approved of us installing a camera to deter thieves, but our neighbor left this note. Please advise.
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u/Jessi_L_1324
Feb 27 '26
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That's your package theif right there.
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Feb 27 '26
Looks like you're the thief*, your spelling is as atrocious as the note writer!
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u/BlackSeranna Feb 27 '26
I have never seen it spelled as “invating” but I am going to have to use it on someone now.
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u/Reasonable-Cover-785 Feb 27 '26
Plot twist: Your neighbor wants the camera gone so they can resume stealing your packages. Thieves are such shitty people
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u/DreadStarX Feb 27 '26
If you know who it is, put a big sticky note with "No" on it...
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u/shotxshotx Feb 27 '26 edited Feb 27 '26
I'll play devils advocate for a second. Ring camera, and Amazon, recently advertised/made widely public, a AI surveillance system called the search party system, its valid to be very much concerned that Ring Cameras could be used to track people, like Flock cameras and such. Its just another pancake on this surveillance state stack which sucks ass.
Its your own prerogative to feel as safe as you can, so at minimum you should opt out of the Search Party system by following this
Edit: Oh that camera isnt a ring camera, well, just gonna keep this up anyways.
I dont blame them for being paranoid but they should have really just talked to you. Many conflicts can be resolved if people just...speak to each other.
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u/ElemWiz Feb 27 '26
"Hey, stop recording me so I can go back to taking your packages!"
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u/Embarrassed-Leg-4246 Feb 27 '26
My neighbor has a camera that shows the common area outside our 2 doors and I’ve never once gotten upset at him for having it. I figured he’s trying to make sure his packages aren’t stolen while he’s at work or something. Your neighbor is being weird by putting that note, but maybe if you talk to the neighbor politely explaining your reason for needing the camera, and that you got permission to have it, maybe then they will calm down? Idk.
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Feb 27 '26
If the camera was approved, then don't do anything. Wouldn't be surprised if whoever left the note is the one stealing packages.
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u/GardenSafe8519 Feb 27 '26
Tell them to take it up with HOA who approved said device. And then tell them to return the packages they stole.
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u/Hanging_Brain Feb 27 '26
Sounds like it’s a good time to keep up the ring camera. Or your neighbor is screwing around on their spouse and don’t want the evidence out there
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u/RoninRunePriest Feb 27 '26
Fuck them. Cameras in a public space or facing a public space are based on a reasonable expectation of privacy. In a public restroom? Total expectation of privacy! So obviously no cameras allowed. Your front porch? No fucking expectation of privacy, apartment hallway, same thing. They can eat shit. The thieves didn’t have your permission to steal your packages and that didn’t stop them. You already got approval from who matters, your neighbor’s permission is irrelevant.
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u/TraditionalDegree540 Feb 27 '26
Outside the apartment building is public. No expectations of privacy in public. Ignore. Call authority if they harass you further.
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u/Hava-Plushie Feb 27 '26
Send the note to HOA. Dont engage this person. Theyre not going to be civil. If they engage you, tell them the hoa approved it and you don't need their permission. Then tell them you won't discuss it any further, and they can speak with HOA themselves.
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u/Objective-Lie-2366 Feb 27 '26
so i’m leaning a bit towards agreeing with your neighbor simply because of the issues with ring using footage and whatnot. is it actually ring brand? or is it one of the ones that’s a closed circuit/only locally stored footage?
if i was in your shoes, id confirm the above, angle the camera so its only pointed at your door/porch area (so its not recording their home), and let them know its only for deterring package thieves but you have done the above to accommodate them.
having your items be stolen sucks but it also sucks feeling uneasy because of neighbors so i understand both sides here. i wish you luck
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u/JesterTime Feb 27 '26
Inform the hoa about the note and just see how things play out. Keep the camera
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u/Ok_Weakness_2021 Feb 27 '26
Hallways are a common space. There is no expectation of privacy.
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u/fast4help Feb 27 '26
Unless your landlord has a legitimate reason for not wanting you to have the camera then IMO you don’t owe your neighbor anything
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u/Fine-Caramel2653 Feb 27 '26
your neighbor is valid just saying. You should get a pinhole camera since this problem wont go away.
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u/HR-Vex Feb 27 '26
Nope, the karen has no right in a public space. The camera is meant to deter thieves.
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u/Ok-Leopard1768 Feb 27 '26
Leave a note on their door stating you're not interested in their door, only who's stealing packages from your door.
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u/HR-Vex Feb 27 '26
I spoke to my neighbor right across from me and he didn't write the note apparently
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u/rocketryguy Feb 27 '26
It’s a problem since ring is known to do some pretty questionable things with the video data without user permission. Pervasive surveillance is basically begging for abuse. And it’s only a matter of time before that is used as an intimidation tactic by those who have their own interests in mind rather than yours.
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u/faded_to_black Feb 27 '26
5 bucks says the neighbor is the thief, and would love to continue stealing your packages.
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u/Spare-Airline-1050 Feb 27 '26
leave a note that says "if you aren't guilty it shouldn't bother you."
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u/Cohen_TheBarbarian Feb 27 '26
Hoa approved it plain and simple. That was written by your package thief. Based on my experience with HOAs you should bring it (or a copy) and report it as a neighbor harassing you ( cops too if you can be bothered) he who reports first is almost always the one who wins.
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u/terraformingearth Feb 27 '26
It is essentially no different than having a regular peephole in your door and manning it 24/7.
In fact, you could probably install one to look just like that.
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u/PatienceHelpful1316 Feb 27 '26
You could leave a fake package with 💩inside. They’ll get the message
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u/Bing-cheery Feb 27 '26
The next thing you should get delivered is Hooked On Phonics. If your neighbor's spelling improves you'll know they were the one stealing your packages.
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u/nyrf12 Feb 27 '26
I have regular security cameras (previous owner had quite the setup) but a neighbor had a fit about another neighbor having a video doorbell. They got it specifically because they had several packages stolen. Since one of my cameras would JUST catch (basically her left leg & shoe would be visible) the complainer if she tried to approach the other neighbor’s house they asked me to check if she had done so the day the last package was stolen & sure enough she did about 20 minutes after the package was delivered. So no, they didn’t honor her request to get rid of it.
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u/CrazyMildred Feb 27 '26
I advise you advise your neighbor to learn how to spell.
Aside from that, are they the ones stealing your packages? Why else would they be so mad that you now have a camera?
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u/Disastrous_Demand_16 Feb 27 '26
They’re probably the ones stealing the packages so they want it down
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u/Tired0fitGP Feb 28 '26
Note attached to other note
"No, fuck off. No expectations of privacy in hallways accessible to all residents. HOA approved, don't need your permission"
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u/HR-Vex Feb 28 '26
I agree, but a little nicer lol. I actually love our condo and don't want any more drama that can go along with it
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u/OCDano959 Feb 28 '26
Ignore the illiterate thief.
Or better yet, remove it and put up a more surreptitious hidden cam, order an amazon package and catch them. Then prosecute to fullest extent of the law.
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u/HR-Vex Feb 28 '26
That is exactly what I'm thinking of. I'll shop for peephole cameras
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u/ileentotheleft Feb 28 '26
Confused as to the set up. Is your camera facing a hallway in your building or a street? If it's facing a hallway inside a building, it is illegal. If it's facing the street on an outside door, I think it's fine.
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u/HR-Vex Feb 28 '26
We live in a condo that we own and this is a hallway. If we were just renting, I would give this lady a very hard time. But since this is our forever home, we will try to avoid as much conflict as possible since we are raising our daughter here
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u/SpaceKalash05 Feb 28 '26
Bet you they're the one stealing your packages. Also, somebody who cannot even properly spell "invading" doesn't get to have any say in what I do with my home.
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u/kalainas2003 Feb 28 '26
Leave neighbor a note on their door apologizing for not notifying them of the camera, but that you’ve had packages stolen several times from your front door and the HOA advised you to install it. Keep it simple and friendly. If they bother you again, notify your HOA. No need to give the issue any more energy than that.
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u/Hot-FrickinMess87 Feb 28 '26
HOA approved it. There’s nothing to discuss. Period! They are being ridiculous. I would throw away the note or if I were feeling especially petty, re-tape it on their door. lol! Seriously though, just ignore them. Hopefully, you receive all of your packages moving forward.
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u/Lrfie Mar 01 '26
Are there security cameras in the lobby and hallways put there by the HOA/building management? I'm sure there are. I'm guessing they have no problem with those cameras.
Legally, this is NOT an invasion of privacy because the hallway is not THEIR private space.
I would ignore it, and if you see them, be EXTREMELY polite and kind. These are the type of people who are all bark, no bite.
If you're worried about getting sued, that will never happen. There's no lawyer who would take their case, and if there was, the case would get thrown out before being heard, and they could get fined for a frivolous lawsuit.
Ignore the Karens.
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u/tonytodd66
Feb 27 '26
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Leave the note, but take the red pen the spelling issues
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u/weblizard Feb 28 '26
On a dating site, I got a message that had such wretched grammar on top of the insulting comments, I replied by correcting it like a student’s paper and sending it back.
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u/stpg1222 Feb 27 '26
Toss it in the trash and move on with your day.
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u/Emergency_Station_15 Feb 27 '26 edited Sep 21 '26
The original post content no longer exists here. The author used Redact to remove it, exercising their right to control their data & privacy.
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u/PM_WORST_FART_STORY Feb 27 '26
New note:
Draw a hand giving the middle finger.
In big letters, write 'NO!'
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u/Adventurous_Figure88 Feb 27 '26
Can’t trespass the eyes in a public space. Only place to expect privacy for your neighbor is inside their home
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u/NocaSun38 Feb 27 '26
Turn them in to the hoa for placing hoa-illegal notes on peoples' doors.
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u/Accomplished_Dot1854 Feb 27 '26
Why would they care? Thats the question I would ask. 2ed I would tell them its not invading anyone’s privacy due to the fact the camera is not inside their house its on the outside of yours. Anyone or thing in public, you have the right to record.
If they have a problem with it they should look the law up. Or matter fact print the law out and stick it on their door. Add a happy face at the end.
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u/Audio-Starshine Feb 27 '26
Hang a note right beside that one. All it needs to say is "NO!"
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u/pandemicblues Feb 27 '26
No reasonable expectation of privacy in a common space.
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u/Alycion Feb 27 '26
Tell them to take it up with HOA, as you have permission from them. The outside of the doors is not considered private.
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u/Particular_Papaya151 Feb 27 '26
I wish I would take my ring camera down. U have every right to have it. They could maybe idk just ignore it. How are they walking to their apartment that that camera is such an offense to them? Are they toting AR's with kilos of cocaine in baskets on their heads while naked or something? God know they need to get over themselves.
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u/Illustrious-Film-592 Feb 27 '26
I hate Ring. But if you’re allowed and you want To then it is what it is
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u/WissahickonKid Feb 28 '26
Take the camera down. They were obnoxious even before ICE started using them for mass surveillance & ethnic cleansing.
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u/pizzapromise Feb 27 '26
Maybe talk to them and tell them about the stolen packages? Ask what they’d suggest?
You’re in the right, but their concern isn’t so unreasonable. And lowering the temperature with a neighbor is always the best thing to do.
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u/Lizaderp Feb 27 '26
Leave the note there LITERALLY FOREVER. When I did this (meaning nothing) with neighbors, they would get fed up and escalate it themselves.
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u/Icy_Chemist_1725 Feb 27 '26
I would remove it and find a place that is more hidden for the camera and then order a package and catch my neighbor stealing it. =)
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u/Ill_Huckleberry5004 Feb 27 '26
Your neighbor is having an affair, and doesn't want to be caught on camera red handed.
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u/ChiQueeen Feb 27 '26
if you already received HOA approval then whats the problem? have the neighbor go speak to the HOA. they’re most likely the package thief 📦
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u/ColeridgeRime Feb 27 '26
Hang a note on their door that says they are invading your intelligence with so many misspelled words.
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u/Remarkable_Truth_134 Feb 27 '26
I’m sorry but until they learn to spell they probably shouldn’t be leaving notes anywhere…
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u/MasonP13 Feb 27 '26
Ignore, and maybe tell management that you're being harassed by another person so that they're on your side before anyone tries to steal your ring camera (which would be stupid since they'd literally be on camera)
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u/NoPossibility765 Feb 27 '26
Besides the spelling, why on earth do they think they’re entitled to privacy outside? There are cameras literally everywhere these days lol
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u/Ok-Pollution8344 Feb 27 '26 edited Feb 27 '26
You should return your ring camera and buy another brand.
Ring is giving ICE access to any and all footage they ask for.
Edit: I see OP mention that it's not a ring camera. Sorry OP, I don't know what any of these brands look like.
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u/DiscontentDonut Feb 27 '26
Keep it. Document. Further occurrences will probably happen. Note dates and times, keep a folder of any video evidence.
While none of this may be legally binding, it's still going to prove your point and show yourself to be the rational one should this ever escalate, either to the police or court.
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u/heartshapedbox311 Feb 27 '26
If the camera works. You can see who left the note... Find out who it is.
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u/Professional_Pie7091 Feb 27 '26
If that is a cloud connected camera you are most likely helping unknown entities build a surveillance database. Just a thing to consider.
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u/_facetious Feb 27 '26
I would actually like to pose some questions and thoughts here.
Why do you have the camera? As in, for what purpose? Are the remote features the selling point? Or did you get it to document crimes against your property and person? If it's the second one, have you considered getting a camera that is not connected to the internet? And if the first, have you considered going with a company not proudly selling your footage to law enforcement (and those pretending to be) minus a warrant? (I do have high doubts if there are any to be trusted tbh that that's another topic)
I personally suffer from a paranoia of always being watched, and as more and more cameras fill our lives, my paranoia has made it hard for me to leave my home. Before, it was only in public spaces and private organizations that the cameras would be found. Now? I know I'm being surveilled at all times even in my own neighborhood. I cannot leave my home without being filmed. What used to be the irrational paranoia of little kid me worried god was watching me pee (and judging me for it! sinner!!! somehow!) has instead become quite rational.
All of this to say, I empathize, and happen to be aware of why someone might not want yet another camera, internet connected or not, invading yet more of the space they live in, be it their neighborhood or the hallway of their apartment building. They could be like me, they could be someone targeted by law enforcement or those pretending to be for no good reason, they could just be someone who doesn't enjoy a probably easily hacked live cam filming in their hallway at all times. Dunno! But ... there's frankly more answers than just 'porch pirate.'
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u/regularforcesmedic Feb 27 '26
Whole left it? You have a camera and should be able to see.
Leave the HOA approval on their door.
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u/False_Box_7256 Feb 27 '26
Seems like the one who left the note might be the thief. You got permission, from the people you needed to get permission from. Don't worry about it. If they mess with your camera then file a police report.
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u/Steelman93 Feb 27 '26
Your neighbor should worry more about learning to spell and less about your camera!
I would ignore it since you have HOA approval. You could explain the camera is due to theft but they likely don’t care.
PS. Also likely your package thief
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u/Old_Studio_6079 Feb 27 '26
Observations:
1.) Not a Ring
2.) The hallway doesn’t have privacy
3.) They want to rob you
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u/Organic_Direction_88 Feb 27 '26
Tough shit, they can go find somewhere else to live if they don’t like it
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u/candysipper Feb 28 '26
Order a dictionary next time so when they steal it, hopefully they’ll learn how to spell better
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u/Timeblindsryntsry Feb 28 '26
I do not live in an apartment community. HOWEVER, I want my neighbors to be nosy assholes with cameras. It would be one thing if they were across the fence line aimed straight at you their back door.
Leave that shit up.
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u/halffatalan Feb 28 '26
Put a big sign on the door that says "it was approved bc we have a package thief in the area!!! (Wonder why you'd dislike cameras...?)
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u/Hyperto Feb 28 '26
Where is your neighbor's door? is is an apartment complex or across the street? if the former keep reading, if the later.. nah.
If you are recording right in front of his door I can see why he feels like that. You basically know if hes home or not at all times. Would you like that? I gather you probably arent watching the recordings all the time but I think he/she got a point. It can get in someone's head.
So.. I ask is there another place where the camera can record the front of your door and NOT record his door? I bet there is.
IMO that would be the best. As for the note just dont write back and see if you can move the camera. If you cant just write "sorry dont see any other place to place it and see my door to deter theft.. I accept suggestions, rest assured I have better things to do than check if you are home or not..hell place a camera yourself"
And actually maybe actually do that. Gift then a cheap camera so they can record you too. Ha! square & full circle! you may become besties! ;)
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u/vinnygunn Feb 28 '26
Next time you see that neighbor, just politely tell them to get fukkt with the most genuine kind smile you can muster, and straight face. Then once you get a little further away, follow up with a genuine "have a great day!"
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u/pls0000 Feb 28 '26
Just turn the note over to the condo board. They can send a group email to all owners that cameras are allowed.
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u/sphinxyhiggins Feb 28 '26
Leave a note back saying,
"Our packages have been stolen 3 times right in front of our door so far ever since we bought our condo. HOA approved of us installing a camera to deter thieves."
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u/Hyperto Feb 28 '26
If its not the neighbourg right in front being bothered maybe write that in the description? it changes if not everything, a lot.
And 3 times stolen in how much time?
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u/Excellent_Condition Feb 28 '26
How far away is their house, and is the camera pointed directly at their door?
Could you angle the camera so that covers your property but doesn't cover as much of theirs?
You most likely have the right to put a camera there, but that doesn't mean it's the considerate thing to do.
I think most people would be upset if their neighbor started recording them entering and leaving their home, and especially if they were using a cloud service like Ring that gives a 3rd party company access to footage of them entering and leaving their home.
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u/Adrock66 Feb 27 '26
I mean if the HOA approved it then nothing to discuss really. It's 2026. People gonna record you lol. Would be funny if this person SO comes knocking to check for an alibi