‘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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Hello, do not just pick n drones, councils accross australia use either google or the air force, as at times the air force film city areas as an exercise , so local government use this to check on residential backyards for various reasons,most of this in their words is for planning of future devulopment, so still big brother is there.
Air force, hahahahahahaha.

There are companies that specialise in aerial photos, used mostly for mapping purposes, these images are high definition and anyone can access them usually with a subscription. Nearmap is one such business.
 
Even keeping 30 metres away won't help the quality of cameras today can film and take photos from further than 30 metres
 
If you have any Bluetooth device connected, you are being tracked. If it has a microphone or camera, like many current domestic goods, you or your environs are being recorded. All that data is being sold.'Robot' vacuum cleaners casing apartments was a case in point. For most, it's not a worry until it is. The military are now regularly murdering people with drones. A medical delivery group in Africa is saving lives with drones. Those are the extremes. Drone buyers should, and likely soon will be registered - hopefully not licensed. Motorised vehicles the same. As to domestic situations mentioned in the article, the operator of that drone is likely nearby, maybe even within sight. They are breaking the law. People do most days. If you find yourself in that situation, find the operator, tell them. If they persist, report it. If their drone pees on you, I believe that is assault.
"'Robot' vacuum cleaners casing apartments was a case in point. For most, it's not a worry until it is. The military are now regularly murdering people with drones."

And there it is, there had to be one conspiracy theorist in the group.
 

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