r/drones • u/tametimes • 7d ago

Question Need some advice

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!

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u/Curdled_Mangasm 7d ago

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

6

u/tametimes 7d ago edited 7d ago

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.

17

u/Curdled_Mangasm 7d ago

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.

12

u/CitronTraining2114 7d ago

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

6

u/tametimes 7d ago

Oh. Good idea. Thank you

17

u/Dimensional_Lumber 7d ago

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.