A California man has stirred up mixed reactions after setting up more than 20 cameras to record “illegal activity” in a neighbourhood park and posting it online.
Marty, who only wants to be identified by his first name, told KCRA News he installed 21 security cameras because of the alleged criminal behaviour happening in the park.
“There are five cameras on the pole and 16 around the property,” Marty said to KCRA. “People are doing things in front of my house they won’t do in front of their own.”
He said that’s why he installed the security system over a decade ago. But yet, it stills continues to draw criticism and support from residents to this day.
“Even though it’s in a public place, it’s kind of an invasion of privacy in a way,” said one woman to KCRA.
Another thought Marty was doing “the neighbourhood a service.”
Marty even has one camera that detects when someone is walking by it, causing the device to zoom in and follow the subject.
And now, Marty is uploading these videos to YouTube for his Neighbourhood Watch group.
“It’s a public place, there’s no expectation of privacy in a public area,” Marty told KCRA. “We’re not going to sit back and let the neighbourhood go to pot again. If we see something, we contact authorities.”
And police said they have responded to calls made by Marty. They also said that as long as the cameras are on Marty’s property, he’s not breaking any rules.
The security footage shows people drinking, rolling joints, dealing drugs and having sex.
“They come over here to do it because they think it’s safe,” said Marty. “Well, think again.”