Contractor takes photo on private property without permission

[PippaH]

A contractor commissioned by a water supply company made an impromptu visit to my house allegedly to check drainage levels. On checking my CCTV I discovered that he took a photograph of my front door from within the property boundary before I answered the door - this was done without my permission or knowledge. Since he didn't have an ID card and the water supply company had not sent a letter warning that they were offering preemptive checks in my neighbourhood, I declined to let him have access to the rear of my property. The water company have since acknowledged they had contractors working in the area on their behalf. The contractor did not call on all the houses down the street or photograph the fronts of all properties - which conflicted with his account that that the water company was offering the 'free' maintenance check on all houses in the area. I have asked the water company why it was necessary to photograph the front of my property from within my boundaries and have yet to receive an answer. The local police have advised me that no crime has been committed. Is there anything I can do to protect the privacy of my home from intrusive actions by commercial companies??

[des8]

You can do very little.
Even if you remove the implied right of access, what will you do when the notice is ignored?

Here's a lengthy thread on the matter: https://legalbeagles.info/forums/for...ight-of-access

[PippaH]

Dear Des8,

Thank you for responding and pointing out the information in the link - very interesting including the difference about various sites who offer free legal advice.

So, is there no legal action I can take about the contractor taking photographs that had nothing to do with his visit? I now feel less secure and that I have little right to dictate what goes on within the boundaries of my home...

[des8]

There is in practice little you can do about individuals photographing your house except perhaps purchase a property on a gated high security estate.

[PippaH]

Thanks for your input, but I am seeking confirmation on whether I can take legal action against a business taking photographs (without my permission) of my property from within the property boundary. What individuals photograph outside my property boundary is not my concern.

[des8]

If someone comes on to your property and starts taking photographs you can order them to stop as it is a trespass.

The remedy for trespass is the award of compensation or damages, but this is only appropriate where the trespass has caused you financial loss.
If you were to make a successful claim you might only be awarded nominal damages.

[PippaH]

Look, I appreciate you are trying to help, but your responses are not helpful. Please don't assume to know what is 'appropriate' in the case of someone whose privacy and sense of security has been violated; I don't intend to go into all details of my concerns on a public platform. It looks like you're familiar with the sort of concise general advice about trespassing that is available on other online sources, but I doubt you have the legal expertise to offer advice in response to my questions. Under your initial guidance, I read through six pages of responses to issues on trespass issues relating to bailiffs which although interesting had little to do with the question I asked. It may be that no one on the forum is able to answer my question - that's okay...

[des8]

Sorry you consider my responses unhelpful and too generic, but if you don't give full details ( "don't intend to go into all details of my concerns") any comments you receive will only be general pointers.

If you want legal expertise I suggest you consult a solicitor and pay for it

I wonder what you were expecting, but hope you find your answers.

[echat11]

Again this may or may not help, again we might be 'barking up the wrong tree', this is regards the photo being taken -

https://ico.org.uk/media/for-organis...sonal-data.pdf

There is some info that specifically deals with photo's being taken on private property on the web, I can't locate at this time.
I think the query at the time was about a bailiff taking a picture of a car, thus 'trespass and privacy issue'.

[wales01man]

Look, I appreciate you are trying to help, but your responses are not helpful. Please don't assume to know what is 'appropriate' in the case of someone whose privacy and sense of security has been violated; I don't intend to go into all details of my concerns on a public platform. It looks like you're familiar with the sort of concise general advice about trespassing that is available on other online sources, but I doubt you have the legal expertise to offer advice in response to my questions. Under your initial guidance, I read through six pages of responses to issues on trespass issues relating to bailiffs which although interesting had little to do with the question I asked. It may be that no one on the forum is able to answer my question - that's okay...

DEA8 Has never offered legal advice on here if thats what you need consult a solicitor no need to insult him he is only trying to guide you an apology from you would be a good idea