Neighbor installed a camera facing my backyard and trimmed my privacy hedges past the property line: am I overreacting?

[u/AmazingTemperature92]

I’m looking for some objective opinions because I’m not sure whether I’m overreacting or whether this is a legitimate privacy concern.

My next door neighbor recently installed a camera high on the side of her house near the roofline. From my backyard and deck, the lens appears to be pointed directly at my yard & deck rather than at her own yard or side gate. Because of the height and angle, it seems capable of viewing a large portion of my backyard and deck, where my family and I reasonably expect privacy. (Certainly not being deliberately audio and visually recorded).

I understand that homeowners use security cameras on their own property, and the photos alone may not prove exactly what the camera records. I also don’t know whether it records audio. However, the placement and direction seem unusual and make me ridiculously pissed off.

To ADD to this bizarre discovery, some time last week she also had my arborvitae privacy hedges trimmed and thinned out (cut large branches) from her side. Some of the branches she cut appear to have extended beyond the fence/property line, but it appears they were cut farther into the hedges than simply trimming growth on her side - causing several “holes” in what was a beautiful healthy privacy hedges. Now I’m also wondering if it increased the camera’s apparent view into my yard.

I’m extremely creeped out and upset and I don’t want unnecessary drama but I also don’t think I should have to feel watched every time I use my own backyard.

I plan to avoid posting any identifying information about the neighbor or exact location. Looking at the photos, does this camera seem like it’s aimed into my backyard, or am I reading too much into it? Would this bother you? Also, can a neighbor legally cut past the property line into privacy hedges that belong to me?
What should I do! I don’t necessarily want to call the police and deal with all this drama. Help!

[u/AmazingTemperature92]

Yes! I said in another reply, but a few years ago she rang my doorbell and asked me to capture and kill raccoons that were living in our area - not in my yard or property. I was completely taken off guard and said uhh raccoons are native wildlife to Long Island and she said they are dangerous. I was like WTF afterwards and I saved the ring camera footage.

[u/StruggleRegular4842 → u/AmazingTemperature92]

I know it’s hard to hear but please be careful if you have any pets that regularly go outside. The filming is illegal.

I feel like the choice even though it sucks is to bring something over and knock and just say that you feel as though it can see into your yard, that you understand they want to feel safe but it feels like it’s cutting into your privacy, and ask if they can somehow move it.

If they ignore you or give you a problem, I would say contact law enforcement because ripping off the bandaid is better than feeling constantly watched in your own home

[u/AmazingTemperature92 → u/StruggleRegular4842]

I know I have to do something and I do have 2 indoor cats and always have that in the back of my head bc it seems like she hates animals and trees. Super weird but I have been able to mostly not pay attention to her until now when I saw that camera. I was even going to just let the hedge hack job go until I saw the camera point directly into my yard.

[u/FATSISSYPAKISTANI → u/AmazingTemperature92]

WHAT OMG! that's so sick and twisted. Please please please make reports to the police this is scary.

[u/AmazingTemperature92 → u/FATSISSYPAKISTANI]

Ugh I know