Weird neighbors

[Doodad]

I am really getting tired of the strange behavior.

We moved here 15 years ago and they were all ready in the house behind us. I know them by name and sight. Mind you we are all on 3/4 acre lots and there are numerous trees and a creek dividing us over a distance of probably 150 feet or more.

They keep all their blinds open facing us, but watch us constantly. If I step outside on the deck or even out the window I can often see them watching us and then they step back from the window or move to another one. Yesterday playing in the snow confirmed something I have suspected and that is that the guy is using binoculars. I could see him and he saw me see him and immediately disappeared. I have a sneaking suspicion based on times of day and an upstairs window on their house being wide open that he is watching my wife in the bathroom. We have curtains so you could see no more than an outline, but damn!

I replaced the curtain with a heavier one this morning and feel like putting FU (name) in small letters on the outside.

[MuseCafeChris]

Just shoot him and get it over with.

[pickaguitar]

Take pics of them!

[yoda0ne]

Yikes. Maybe plant a hedge.

[CAJUN]

Put up a small privacy fence around the deck to block their view!

[Doodad]

Yikes. Maybe plant a hedge.

With the downslope to the creek and the distance I would need full grown trees.

The wife is even weirder about it. I have seen her peeking from behind a curtain looking at me walking the dog.

I just mind my own business whether grilling or chilling, I just find it strange as hell.

[JPF]

Try getting a photo of them staring at you (even better if they're using binoculars!), have the photo blown up to near-window size, and run off enough copies to tape onto the outside of each of your windows.

Leave them up for a couple of days. They'd be nuts to continue.

[teleman1]

Why don't you use binoculars to see them? Maybe you will catch them with their pants down,ahyeeeeeee. One way mirror film on the windows might work. Check them out. Maybe they have been arrested for perversion.

[yoda0ne]

What are the Peeping Tom laws?

[zep41]

I honestly would say something to them -- just try to embarass them about it. "Hey Mike, I have seen you and your wife multiple times throuh the window with binoculars while I am outside -- what are you guys some kind of bird watchers or do you just like looking at me?"

Just bust his balls about it, I guarantee it will stop.

[pickaguitar]

Well..whether you like it or not, uncomfortable or not...if they aren't breaking any laws then what can ya do? They are allowed to use their eyes

It is weird though. Maybe they are enamored with ya?

[Doodad]

Why don't you use binoculars to see them? Maybe you will catch them with their pants down,ahyeeeeeee. One way mirror film on the windows might work. Check them out. Maybe they have been arrested for perversion.


Well it is really if we are in the back on the deck or such more than anything. They freak out if they can be seen and then watch what we are doing. Which is nothing interesting.

I only really noticed the bathroom thing since I am home in the morning now and used to leave before my wife. Very interesting that as soon as the bathroom light comes on in the evening or morning, he is suddenly at his desk in the upstairs window. Mind you I can see this because they leave every freaking blind or curtain in their house wide open day and night and the shorter days.

[HammyD]

Maybe something like this....

http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/Image/Topiary_Lady.jpg

[Stike]

Nothing like Doodad's but I have a bit of an odd one. Retired/disability older guy (mid 60's) that almost lives on his screened in back deck, often hunched over in his chair asleep. One day I was taking my dog out and he asked me if I knew anything about setting up stereo equipment, I said I could handle something basic. Turns out he was fishing to see if I'd spend an afternoon in his crawlspace snaking wires for a surround setup. I don't mind helping the guy out as he's not really mobile, I take his trash and recycling out for him but crawlspace time is beyond being neighborly.

[Doodad]

Well..whether you like it or not, uncomfortable or not...if they aren't breaking any laws then what can ya do? They are allowed to use their eyes

It is weird though. Maybe they are enamored with ya?


I could not care less except for the bathroom thing. That chaps my ass.

I just find it bizarre and it seems to affect the whole family. Even the son will get up from his chair to come look out the window if I am on the deck.

F'n nuts. They built a hot tub and this elaborate screened porch several years ago. I have never seen them use the hot tub (which has no privacy screen) and if they are on the porch and I walk out they immediately head inside.

[doublea]

The wife is even weirder about it. I have seen her peeking from behind a curtain looking at me walking the dog.

Moon her next time.

[Scott57]

You're interesting.

[Blue Tile Fever]

I don't know how you can live like that, you have WAY more patience than i. How long has this been going on for?!?

[Doodad]

You're interesting.

I can assure you that is not it.

[Doodad]

I don't know how you can live like that, you have WAY more patience than i. How long has this been going on for?!?

Quite a few years. I mind my own damn business, none of the other neighbors that I can see or see me act in this way. I just go about my business.

Thankfully we have the distance between us. I can't imagine what they would do in one of those cluster type subdivisions.

[BarkingTree]

Id get a large Spotlight and start lighting up his world at night.
Claim your shining for Deer.

[doublea]

Get one of those laser points and beam their eye next time you catch them.

[playsarobin]

I'd do something to get the message across and if
Something didn't change at that point I'd get confrontational. Privacy is part of owning some land and home. You're entitled to it and they're not letting you have it. Borrow a nice camera/lens and stage some events you know they peep on and take pictures. Threaten first, press charges second.

[pickaguitar]

press charges for what? using their eyes on their own property?


I'm not defending them...just sayin

[Glowing Tubes]

Put a sign up in the bathroom window, too small to read with the naked eye that reads something like mind your own business or like another poster said.. F/U

[Doodad]

I'd do something to get the message across and if
Something didn't change at that point I'd get confrontational. Privacy is part of owning some land and home. You're entitled to it and they're not letting you have it. Borrow a nice camera/lens and stage some events you know they peep on and take pictures. Threaten first, press charges second.

Nah, we keep the peace here in our neighborhood and I just shake my head at them.

Binoculars and bathrooms have changed my thoughts though. One thing to watch me grill a ribeye and drink a beer. Another if my family is scrutinized.

I still think the FU on the outside of the blinds in small letters might help clear the air.:Devil

[Doodad]

Put a sign up in the bathroom window, too small to read with the naked eye that reads something like mind your own business or like another poster said.. F/U

That was my idea.

[Tonekat]

Flash 'em. Make them think it's your spouse in the bathroom, then fling open the curtains in a glory of full frontal.

[shawnshack]

I would definitely make it clear to them that you know what they are doing. I wouldn't care if that meant a letter, an in person visit, signs in my yard or yelling through a mega phone as soon as they start. I may even get a police beacon light and set it off every time they do it. You may look crazy to your neighbors, but maybe they'd stop. I would even go as far as telling all your other neighbors what is going on. They may being peeped on too.

[coreybox]

That was my idea.

I think it's a pretty good idea too.

[teleman1]

Doodad,

Whatever you do, think hard about consequences. You do not want this thing to escalate into something a lot more.

[MuseCafeChris]

Flash 'em. Make them think it's your spouse in the bathroom, then fling open the curtains in a glory of full frontal.

http://www.thesmokingjacket.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/wildbill.jpg

[Dica3]

I would certainly speak to them about it, dealing with the situation in a straight up fashion usually works well

Tell them you would appreciate not being watched at all times and that if the two of you can't come to an amicable solution then law enforcement, in some capacity, may have to become involved

Just letting him/them know you know what's up might very well be enough to make them stop

[Doodad]

I would even go as far as telling all your other neighbors what is going on. They may being peeped on too.

That is another concern as my next door neighbors are a Mom and her school age daughter who tend to keep the back blinds open. Everyone has a pretty view of the creek so I can't blame anyone for that.

No one else is really in direct view due to the placement of the houses along the creek.

[Travst]

I would flash them while wearing the largest artificial penis I could find.

[JRDill]

Yeah, being a peace keeper like yourself, Dica3 has the best solution. I had a similar situation with a neighbor eaves dropping over his fence and peering through to hear my conversations. One day I just walked up and said "Hey man, I don't really appreciate you knowing my personal business. Do you mind if we let this fence serve its real purpose?" Been good so far!

[Jetrow]

Maybe they think you're Michael Jackson. I would mount some cameras outside of the house focused on them and make sure they aren't up to something.

[ford]

It's time for you to start wearing one of those Borat style lime green bathing suits...

See how long they can handle it....

[Scott57]

Have you waved back at them? I'd smile and then wave them to come out and over. If they appear, offer them a drink and then ask WTF's up? If not, continually getting called on that way may at least reduce their voyeuristic tendancies.

[Peteyvee]

Nothing like Doodad's but I have a bit of an odd one. Retired/disability older guy (mid 60's) that almost lives on his screened in back deck, often hunched over in his chair asleep. One day I was taking my dog out and he asked me if I knew anything about setting up stereo equipment, I said I could handle something basic. Turns out he was fishing to see if I'd spend an afternoon in his crawlspace snaking wires for a surround setup. I don't mind helping the guy out as he's not really mobile, I take his trash and recycling out for him but crawlspace time is beyond being neighborly.

I'd tell him you used to do it professionally and you'll do it for $85 per hour per man and that you'll need some help. That should put an end to that. As for Doodad's peeper, I'd ask him (politely) wtf is going on. If he feigns ignorance, then I'd put the FU sign in the window...and I'd also tell the mother/daughter next door what's up.

[thewhit]

Definitely I would talk with them ask them what is the reason that binoculars are pointed at your home and family on a regular basis. Is there a reason for it? Either call and make an appointment when they're all at home or drop by.

That should get them talking and then express the fact that the bathroom window has not been covered and that's a large concern. That alone may get the guy's wife to put 2 and 2 together and realize whatever explanation he has used around the house is just an excuse for him being a Peeping Tom.

The direct approach is best.

[neastguy]

do a tom cruise in risky business everynight

[Doodad]

Have you waved back at them? I'd smile and then wave them to come out and over. If they appear, offer them a drink and then ask WTF's up? If not, continually getting called on that way may at least reduce their voyeuristic tendancies.

It really is too far and across a creek for that to make much sense. You would have to shout to even talk to them over the distance.

And the binoculars were only apparent yesterday. I had not seen that until then, but suspected as much given their behavior. The only reason I saw it was the angle of the sun shining right in the sliding door so I fully believe this has been going on for some time as most people don't keep binoculars handy at a moment's notice or hide when they are seen. It does explain somewhat how they could tell I was even standing at my kitchen door.

[pickaguitar]

A creek? Perhaps they are looking at it? Binoculars? My friend's family always had binoculars ready to look at the creek for snakes and such...

[CharlieS]

Some neighbors are just weird. If having a sitdown or a friendly chat would make a difference, they'd be normal.

If they were normal, they wouldn't be peeping through binoculars at you.

I'd find a way to obstruct their view, but some of the suggestions so far have made me laugh. Anything that puts them on the defensive may cause the situation to escalate. Perhaps a remote camera facing their house (not zoomed) may document anything really strange that might happen.

[reddgeetarzan]

I could not care less except for the bathroom thing. That chaps my ass.

I just find it bizarre and it seems to affect the whole family. Even the son will get up from his chair to come look out the window if I am on the deck.

F'n nuts. They built a hot tub and this elaborate screened porch several years ago. I have never seen them use the hot tub (which has no privacy screen) and if they are on the porch and I walk out they immediately head inside.

Be sure to keep the blinds open when you do your "manly" bathroom rituals. Be sure to bend over a lot....maybe start cross dressing- confuse the hell out of them.

[Doodad]

A creek? Perhaps they are looking at it? Binoculars? My friend's family always had binoculars ready to look at the creek for snakes and such...

I doubt it. No reason to hide if that were the case. And it is kind of woodsy down there. The creek is kind of a wild buffer between those along it. Not mown or tended.

[Ricman]

Maybe over 15 years they keep finding more and more to be fascinated with?
But I wouldn't like it, either.

[scottlr]

My wife had me plant lots of trees covering every possible angle a neighbor could "look at us" and they are now full grown. Ash tress grow fast, as do white pine. I have no idea why anyone would want to look at us, but she apparently knows something I don't. LOL

Motion sensor on your deck, so every time you go out, 2-3 flood lights shine right on his windows. Same with bathroom. Tie it into the bathroom light, so anytime she turns on the bathroom light, the floods come on.

[FeloniousBishop]

Why don't you plant a few fast growing trees near the creek line, placed to block the views you most want to block? Pick the trees so their mature height will be correct.

Then you won't have to look at their house either.

For after dark if you want to be out on your patio just put some spot lights on the edge of your deck facing down to the creek away from your deck. It will be blinding to their view of your deck and give you privacy.

[FeloniousBishop]

My wife had me plant lots of trees covering every possible angle a neighbor could "look at us" and they are now full grown. Ash tress grow fast, as do white pine. I have no idea why anyone would want to look at us, but she apparently knows something I don't. LOL

Motion sensor on your deck, so every time you go out, 2-3 flood lights shine right on his windows. Same with bathroom. Tie it into the bathroom light, so anytime she turns on the bathroom light, the floods come on.

Wow you wrote the same thing I did! I was even going to suggest Ashes.

[Jaan]

Try getting a photo of them staring at you (even better if they're using binoculars!), have the photo blown up to near-window size, and run off enough copies to tape onto the outside of each of your windows.

Leave them up for a couple of days. They'd be nuts to continue.


^^^^
This

And buy a telescope and aim it back!

[reddgeetarzan]

You could also stage a fake murder- then proceed to carry trash bags into the back yard and 'bury' them.

[Blindspot]

Is there any significant difference that you can point to between the neighbor and your family that might make the neighbor curious about you? Ethnic, socioeconomic, whatever - something that while completely normal and typical to your other neighbors, may be intriguing to this particular neighbor?

My first instinct would be a peeping Tom scenario, but only if it were one member of the neighbor's household, and it sounds like you've got the whole family checking you out. So what could be so fascinating to them, in watching you? How are you of interest to them?

[marko]

its not normal to spy like this! are they talk radio listeners?

just tell the guy to lay off spying with the binoculars. you will file a complaint with the police and they investigate!

who knows maybe this peep has something to hide and is being parnoid and thinks you are looking in on them. they probably just get a kick out of peeping in on you or the wife though!

[Strat-Mangler]

I doubt it. No reason to hide if that were the case. And it is kind of woodsy down there. The creek is kind of a wild buffer between those along it. Not mown or tended.
A suggestion ; plant tall full trees along their eyesight. Nobody will complain they're an eyesore and that should take care of the pesky disrespectful neighbors.

[antojado]

I think you need to post some pics of you and your family so we can see what all the fuss is about. :roll

Maybe you can have a party, invite a ton of people and have them all bring binoculars. Then sit and watch the neighbors.

anLfoy2XsFw

[phillygtr]

Very interesting that as soon as the bathroom light comes on in the evening or morning, he is suddenly at his desk in the upstairs window. Mind you I can see this because they leave every freaking blind or curtain in their house wide open day and night and the shorter days.

Wow they're bad at it. They need better scoping skills. Amateurs.

:hide

[DaveG]

+ however many on the tall trees idea:

http://austree.com/

[scottlr]

Wow you wrote the same thing I did! I was even going to suggest Ashes.

White pines would be better because they'll block all year. :)

[FeloniousBishop]

White pines would be better because they'll block all year. :)

I had an evergreen ash in my back yard - I planted it as a sapling - that grew like a weed, leaves year round. I ended up taking it out, it would have ended up huge.

It was beautiful too.

Only thing about fast-growing trees is they have weaker wood.

[HammyD]

http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/

[Doug's Tubes]

You could also stage a fake murder- then proceed to carry trash bags into the back yard and 'bury' them.

Sounds like the movie 'Disturbia'.

[Cap'n Fingers]

1. They have an illegal operation going on in their house.
or
2. They're just plain perverts.

If 1 then not much you can do. If 2 then having a talk with them about how it bothers you to be watched might stop them. Also mention that you are not comfortable with being able to look directly into their house all the time.
(Isn't their a peep law that might be looked into here?)

If that didn't work then I would get to know thy enemy. See what info you can dig up on who they are. If it were me I have a resource to tap in law enforcement who would pull up background records for me to see if I'm dealing with known crackpots. I might also consider a private dick to check them out. You can never be too careful with folks who act like paranoid freaky pervs.

[nitehawk55]

Are these older people ? ,they can be wierd

Binoculars or a rifle scope ?

The police would be real interested if you thought this fellow had a scoped rifle and was watching you . Hey !...at that distance you couldn't see what it is for sure !

That would bug me real bad . We had an old F$%K that must have deementia next to the farm we used to keep our horses at watching us all the time . He verbally abused the wife if she happened to be out riding alone as he would drive by her slow in his P-up and call her an F-in Bitch . I kept a journal of all his actions and finally haulled his ass into court and had a peace bond place on him . Look good on the the old bastard cowering in front of the justice , that knocked the attitude out of him . Honestly , I felt like knocking the shit out him myself , I must have killed him 1000 times in my head :FM

[NHDave]

I would get a friend with a DSLR and a long lens, some kind
of birders lens like a 400mm... shoot him holding the binoculars
from one of the windows... or, even better have the guy stand
out in plain view and have him watch the house...

[tennisplayer]

I would call your local police. Explain what has been happening. They will run a background check. You need to know if they have anything in their past to protect yourself. If it turns out that they are just nosey people. Buy one of those old video cameras on a tripod that doesn't even work. Set it up on your back deck and aim it right at their house. Every once in a while go out there and pretend to adjust it and act like you are replacing the tape. Turn the tables on them, they will freak out.

[tennisplayer]

I'm going to call my mom. At her condo complex last year there was a simmilar issue. I can't remember what happened but I do remember it was a great ending. I'll be back.

[marshallmaniac]

Not sure what to do about this one..

I had nosy neighbours for a year but they finally moved out!!

Every time I was outside and could hear the neighbour I had to be dead silent otherwise he'd poke his head over and strike up a long conversation I couldn't care less about. I'm glad he's gone.
When the new neighbours moved in we deliberately did not say a word to them, the old one was that bad. It's been great!

I did however build a giant fence/garden bed when we first moved in but he was so tall he could still get his head over..
I suggest you design a garden bed/fence. Mine was a long garden ben with a 6 foot high back so it was really a fence in discuise made from treated pine sleepers. Cost me $1000 to knock up but it looks great, stops noise and keeps the neighbours out of sight. I did it more for my wife than I did for me. Even though she never really said anything, I like to look out for her in any way I can. BTW the structure lookas great and I get comments all the time about it from friends.

If money is tight then a trip to yyour local garden nursery and a days hard work could prove years worth of happiness at home.

[marshallmaniac]

Read my story above.. Could be a bad decision.. BUT, 'could' also be good.

I personally wouldn't risk it.

Have you waved back at them? I'd smile and then wave them to come out and over. If they appear, offer them a drink and then ask WTF's up? If not, continually getting called on that way may at least reduce their voyeuristic tendancies.

[Dickie Fredericks]

I would call your local police. Explain what has been happening. They will run a background check. You need to know if they have anything in their past to protect yourself. If it turns out that they are just nosey people. Buy one of those old video cameras on a tripod that doesn't even work. Set it up on your back deck and aim it right at their house. Every once in a while go out there and pretend to adjust it and act like you are replacing the tape. Turn the tables on them, they will freak out.

Thats a solid answer right there.:aok

[chrisr777]

Have sex in front of the window with a large studio applause sign that you light up after the more flexible moves.

[Motorhed]

I find it hard to imagine there aren't laws about people using binoculars to look into their neighbor's windows. I don't know what the laws are but I'd still report them to the police. I'm a privacy loving person and the thought of someone doing that gives me the creeps. I couldn't go so easily, I would have pounded on their door and demanded to know what the %$#@ is going on long ago. Nosy is one thing, I think these people have serious problems.

[HoboMan]

My yard is 1.25 acre.
My neighbor became a problem about a couple of months after I moved in.
I mail ordered a couple hundred arborvitaes and planted them about 18" apart along three sides of my yard. They were only about a foot tall when I ordered them. Now they are about 10-12 ft tall and have created a solid wall of evergreens.
Love it.

[LZ_69]

Sounds like the movie 'Disturbia'.

FwNf-3VHRhE

[otterhound]

FwNf-3VHRhE
Great idea . Sick Michael Moore on them .
Maybe you could stroll over there and offer to buy their women and children like Belushi in The Blues Brothers .
Yes , the police are the correct way to go .

[Polynitro]

there was a Hitchcock movie like this. It didnt end well.

[Doodad]

I would plant trees in a heartbeat if I could. As I said before, we both are on hills adjacent to the creek with two story houses (three if you count the daylight basements). So any tree would have to about 50 feet tall.

[Peterma]

Not sure what to do about this one..

I had nosy neighbours for a year but they finally moved out!!

Every time I was outside and could hear the neighbour I had to be dead silent otherwise he'd poke his head over and strike up a long conversation I couldn't care less about. I'm glad he's gone.
When the new neighbours moved in we deliberately did not say a word to them, the old one was that bad. It's been great!

I did however build a giant fence/garden bed when we first moved in but he was so tall he could still get his head over..
I suggest you design a garden bed/fence. Mine was a long garden ben with a 6 foot high back so it was really a fence in discuise made from treated pine sleepers. Cost me $1000 to knock up but it looks great, stops noise and keeps the neighbours out of sight. I did it more for my wife than I did for me. Even though she never really said anything, I like to look out for her in any way I can. BTW the structure lookas great and I get comments all the time about it from friends.

If money is tight then a trip to yyour local garden nursery and a days hard work could prove years worth of happiness at home.

Can we see pictures of the structure you built? Sounds cool.

[pitbull45]

I'd call my lawyer first and then I'd call a real estate agent.

[loudboy]

What's he building in there?
What the hell is he building in there?
He has subscriptions to those
Magazines...
He never Waves when he goes by
He's hiding something from The rest of us...
He's all To himself...
I think I know Why...

He took down the
Tire swing from the Peppertree
He has no children of his Own you see...
He has no dog
And he has no friends and His lawn is dying...
and What about all those packages He sends.

What's he building in there?
With that hook light On the stairs.
What's he building In there...
I'll tell you one thing
He's not building a playhouse for The children
What's he building In there?

Now what's that sound from under the door?
He's pounding nails into a Hardwood floor...
and I Swear to god I heard someone Moaning low...
and I keep Seeing the blue light of a T.V. show...

He has a router And a table saw...
and you Won't believe what Mr. Sticha saw
There's poison underneath the sink Of course...
But there's also Enough formaldehyde to choke A horse...
What's he building In there.
What the hell is he Building in there?
I heard he Has an ex-wife in some place Called Mayors Income, Tennessee And he used to have a consulting business in Indonesia...
But what is he building in there?
What the hell is building in there?

He has no friends But he gets a lot of mail
I'll bet he spent a little Time in jail...
I heard he was up on the Roof last night Signaling with a flashlight
And what's that tune he's Always whistling...
What's he building in there?
What's he building in there?

We have a right to know...

[jrjones]

I'd wave when they're watching, let em know, if it continues, have a what gives conversation, then call the caps and say "dude is watching at all times, binoculars, etc. can you give a cease&desist?"

[jrjones]

If my wife was not home (because she doesn't have quite the sense of humor I do) I would probably take up nude yoga in the bathroom mid-day with the curtains open.

[THebert]

I like the idea of pointing a video camera at them. But seriously, I would ask them about it and tell them that it bothers you enough to contact them about it.