‘It’s so creepy’: Adelaide women speak out about 'peeing Tom' drones

Privacy is something we often take for granted, especially in the comfort of our own homes.

But what happens when an unsettling presence begins to blur the boundaries between public and private spaces?

Recent events have left one community grappling with unsettling questions about safety, surveillance, and the unseen eyes that may be watching.


Terrified women in Adelaide's western suburbs claimed that a 'peeping Tom' drone had been invading their privacy, filming them in their homes and backyards.


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Drone sparks privacy fears in Adelaide's suburbs. Image source: Pexel/JESHOOTS.com


They reported incidents of the drone capturing footage of them while sunbathing, getting dressed, and performing everyday activities.

One mother revealed her concerns after the drone targeted her 10-year-old daughter, who was sleeping in a backyard tent.

‘It’s so intimidating to me as a parent,’ Sarah Worrall-Reiman told media.


‘With a drone, you don’t know who it is, where are they, what are their intentions, it just makes it that extra level of freaky.’

Another woman shared that the drone hovered over her for 20 minutes while she was sunbathing.

‘It was just really creepy and didn’t make me feel safe at all,’ she said.


A third woman recalled seeing the drone outside her bedroom window as she was getting dressed.

The South Australian Police confirmed they were aware of the incidents and had begun investigations.

Police advised those with drone-related complaints to reach out to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).


However, a CASA spokesperson clarified their responsibilities, stating: ‘The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is responsible for ensuring the safe operation of drones but not for issues of privacy, noise or criminal activity.’

‘Anyone who fears for their safety or needs an immediate response to a drone-related incident should report it to their local police.’

Drones are legally required to stay at least 30 metres away from members of the public.


They are also prohibited from flying above people, regardless of height or time.

This includes areas such as sporting events, crowded beaches, roads, and footpaths.

Violations of these laws can result in fines of up to $1,650 by CASA.

If a court conviction is issued, operators could face additional fines of $16,500 and be banned from using drones.

Key Takeaways
  • Privacy concerns have arisen after reports of drones invading the homes and backyards of Adelaide residents.
  • Women claimed the drones captured them while sunbathing, dressing, and performing private activities, sparking fears for safety.
  • Authorities are investigating, with police advising complaints be directed to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), though CASA stated privacy issues fall under police jurisdiction.
  • Drones are required to stay 30 metres away from people, and operators who violate these rules face significant fines or bans if convicted.

As the debate around privacy and drone use continues to heat up, one thing is clear – the line between safety and surveillance is becoming increasingly blurred.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
 

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