A couple who installed a security camera outside their flat following police advice claim they are being threatened with legal action by their landlord unless they remove it.
A resident on Sutton’s Roundshaw estate in Wallington who was receiving threats from an ex says the Met Police encouraged them to install a camera, which they claim has made other inhabitants of the block feel safer.
However, following a complaint from another neighbour, they claim their housing association, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), has ordered its removal due to concerns that it infringes on the privacy of other residents on the estate.
One of the pair, identified only as Mr J to protect his identity, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that they had received a pistol threat and an uncomfortable box of unexplained objects sent to their front door.
After seeking police guidance, they put the camera above their front door in 2021, stating that a housing official had spoken with them about it the previous year and given the green light as long as no neighbours complained.
After initial concerns about it capturing other neighboring residents, Mr J claims he altered the angle so it only caught activities directly below it.
Mr J stated, “This camera isn’t really CCTV; it’s essentially a glorified Ring doorbell.” It was less expensive than a Ring doorbell and was required fast.
He claims MTVH now wants it removed, citing a complaint from a neighbour that it is invading their privacy.
However, Mr J claims that the majority of his neighbors support preserving it.
He stated, “We informed them that the majority of residents we spoke with preferred the camera to remain there as a deterrence to any criminal activity. At the other end of our street, there are frequent stabbings.
“There are 12 Ring doorbell cameras on our street, one standard CCTV camera, and two more on the backs of buildings. How is ours different from theirs?”
Concerned about losing the camera, the couple has since installed additional home security systems inside the house.
The pair claims they have to walk ‘full circle’ by obtaining a written declaration from their neighbour to keep the camera in place four years after it was placed.
Mr J stated, “We have had to fight this ourselves, but we have no idea what they are doing to other tenants.” It’s not as if we mistreated the property; we keep their assets. We regularly repair things.
“Their tagline is that we believe everyone deserves a quality house and the opportunity to live well. They are currently robbing us of that.
A representative for MTVH stated, “Living with the fear of unwelcome people coming to your house may be quite unpleasant, and we sympathize with the residents’ difficult situation.
“It is crucial to us that all of our residents feel comfortable in their homes, that their right to privacy is upheld, and that our staff treat our residents with the highest respect.
“While we are willing to examine requests for the installation of personal security cameras in residents’ houses, we do not believe it is suitable when the surveillance extends to public or communal areas.
This is because it implies that film of other people going about their daily lives could be recorded on a personal device.
“We have asked the residents for a suitable day to visit their home to assess the reach of this camera given its location on the property. Our Safer Neighbourhoods Team is active and willing to collaborate with neighbors to address any safety issues.
“MTVH works closely with regulatory organizations to safeguard and secure the Roundshaw estate.
“If homeowners believe there is an immediate threat, we always encourage that they contact the police first. We are disappointed to learn that our people believe we have not handled this situation adequately.
“We have debriefed with all personnel involved, and while interpretations of the particular words spoken vary, it is evident that our residents feel disappointed and mistreated.
“We want all our residents to feel supported and communicated to with compassion, and this is an aim we will continue to strive for.”
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