‘Creepy’ drone hovering beside windows and above backyards in Diamond Creek
Residents in Melbourne’s northeast fear drones are being used to case out properties after one was seen hovering beside windows and above backyards.
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Homeowners in Diamond Creek fear drones hovering beside windows and above backyards are scoping out if anyone is inside.
Ashley Torcasio caught sight of a drone hovering above her Allendale Rd property four times in the past month and twice in the same day on February 6.
She said it first flew over her property about 9.30am and then again at night about 10.30pm — she also saw a car at the bottom of her property at the same time.
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Ms Torcasio said she and her partner thrust a strong torch light at the car, and it drove off.
“The drone is looking into our windows — it is such an invasion of privacy and it’s a bit creepy,” she said.
“For all we know it could be trying to case out if anyone’s home — looking to see if they could break in or what someone’s movements throughout the day are.”
Another homeowner, who was too scared to reveal their identity, said they would often hear a drone buzzing around their Ryan’s Rd property.
“It just hovers — it’s an annoying noise and it seems to be checking yards out,” they said.
“It worries us as there has been a few robberies and in 35 years never had one in this area until recently.
“Not blaming the drone user at all or suggesting it’s linked but we do wonder.”
The homeowner said when they approached the drone, it darted off in the opposite direction.
“It’s such a shame as there is loads of open space around here for miles,” they said.
“Why do they not utilise this space instead of over properties?”
Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Peter Gibson said drone flyers must stay 30 metres away from other people at all times.
“Flying very close to property like that risks breaking that rule,” he said.
“The rules also say a drone must be kept in the line of sight of the pilot at all times — this may be impossible when flying into backyards.
“It is also not good drone practice to fly in other people’s backyards without their permission.”
Mr Gibson said people found in breach of the drone rules could face fines of up to $10,500.
If lives were put at risk with a drone those responsible could be hit with five years jail time.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued 60 fines for drone rule breaches in the past year — many of those for flying within 30 metres of other people.
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