What to do if…
someone is watching, filming, or shining a light into your home through a window

What to do now

1. Move away from the window and out of direct view. Close curtains or blinds if you can do so without exposing yourself.
2. Lock accessible doors and windows. Move other people and pets away from the affected window.
3. Call 999 and ask for the police if the person is trying to enter, threatening anyone, carrying a weapon, a crime is taking place, or someone is in immediate danger.
4. If there is no immediate danger, call 101 or use your local police force’s online reporting service where available. Describe what you saw without trying to identify the offence yourself.
5. Tell someone you trust what is happening. Ask them to stay on the phone or check in with you, but not to approach the person.
6. From a safe position, note the time, location, the person’s appearance, any vehicle details, where the camera or light was directed, and which way they went. Do not expose yourself to obtain more detail.
7. Save any existing doorbell, CCTV, security-camera, or phone footage. Keep the original files and note whether the recording time appears accurate, but do not delay reporting to gather evidence.
8. Tell the police if this has happened more than once or if the same person, vehicle, camera, or light has returned. Repeated unwanted behaviour can be relevant to stalking or harassment.
9. If the concern involves fixed home CCTV rather than someone actively outside, read the Information Commissioner’s Office guidance once immediate safety is stable. You do not need to contact the camera owner directly if doing so feels unsafe.