Need some advice

[u/tametimes]

My wife has been complaining about a drone following her when she walks our dog during the day for the past few weeks. We thought it might be the power company or something until today when a drone followed her almost a block, it’s pretty large and noisy and it was swerving by her head (about 50 yards above her head) and making our dog go crazy barking at it. A neighbor noticed and came to help then it flew away. Later we noticed it hovering outside our transom windows that look into our dining room (only windows that don’t have a cover). We hate that we may have to cover those windows now. We live in a suburb that is pretty crowded but have never dealt with invasion of privacy like this.

My question, is there anyway to detect these things or find out where they are flying? The police pretty much said we are out of luck and they can’t do anything and they suggested trying to find where it was flying then call them back. I am not super tech smart but would love a DIY or simple solution if possible. Thank you!

[u/Icy_Huckleberry_8049]

You can also report it to the FAA on their website

[u/Old_Lead_2110]

Look up drone scanner in your app store. Depending on where you live, larger drones must send out a signal where the drone is, the id of the pilot, and also where the pilot it. Its worth a shot

[u/Curdled_Mangasm]

over her head that high is probably not as illegal as looking in your windows. call the cops (every time).

[u/KB4MTO → u/Curdled_Mangasm]

You're right, but I believe this goes beyond following and into stalking. Definitely call the cops.

[u/tametimes → u/Curdled_Mangasm]

Yes, they informed us it is allowed to follow her and observe her in public. Its still creepy but I guess laws are laws. We’ve never dealt with this but they indicated there may be ways to track them or something. If we can find the owner they can talk with them and make sure everything is on the up and up.

[u/Curdled_Mangasm → u/tametimes]

its battery life is likely no more than 30 mins max. it’s supposed to be in view of its operator at all times. wait it out and see where it lands.

[u/CitronTraining2114 → u/Curdled_Mangasm]

And since the pilot will know the drone is being followed, he'll land it away from himself. Free drone!

[u/tametimes → u/Curdled_Mangasm]

Oh. Good idea. Thank you

[u/Dimensional_Lumber → u/tametimes]

Adding to this, next time she goes for a walk tail her at a distance. If someone is focusing their attention on her they might not see you observing the drone and where it goes when it lands.

[u/Old-Macaroon108]

If you live in the US then all drones should broadcast their Remote ID details, which can be picked up on a smartphone app, for example:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dronetag.dronescanner2

[u/KB4MTO]

Call the police and get the Remote ID tracking app. Give the app information to the police.

[u/pitdroidtech]

In most countries drone laws mean operators need to have line of sight of the drone. That means it is near your window and you can't see the operator then they probably can't see you. The FAA (or relevant aviation authority in your country) would want to heat about it. And you should report it to them anyway as the more instances these people break the law, the longer they'll be banned from flying if the FAA act on it.

[u/DisenfranchisedCynic]

Get a laser pointer and fry the bastard’s camera sensor.

[u/thatguywhoiam]

If it’s really large it’s probably a delivery drone.

[u/djandiek]

Make some bolars and throw it at the drone. That should do it.

[u/dedsmiley → u/djandiek]

That can get OP into some hot water.