Peeping drone 'an invasion of privacy,' B.C. homeowner says
Oak Bay woman says drone was buzzing her home, but police say no laws were broken
A Victoria-area resident says she spotted a drone buzzing around her property, but police say their hands are tied.
Laura Moffett says the man, who was flying the drone in a park across the street, was allegedly trying to peek inside her home in Oak Bay.
"It's an invasion of privacy. We have a skylight above, and on the weekend I had my nieces and nephews around playing in the pool, and what if he had been doing it then and taking videos?" said Moffet.
But Oak Bay police Sgt. Chris Goudie says the actions weren't criminal, and police won't be recommending any charge.
"There's nothing on the books for hobbyists. It's much like a remote control airplane. Where it's going to come to our attention is when they're intruding on people's privacy."
Last week a Vancouver man filmed a drone flying spying on his False Creek area highrise condo.
B.C.'s deputy privacy commissioner, Michael McEvoy says the incidents raise concerns about how protected people really are when it comes to drones.
"Our office is very concerned about the ubiquitous use of drones particularly when they have cameras mounted on them; they have the ability to essentially spy on people and collect video of people without their consent," said McEvoy.
Commercial operators must follow strict Transport Canada rules, but the same rules do not apply for recreational users.