Avoiding video surveillance
So how do the owners counter this frightening video surveillance and
stop the intimidation while they are campaigning for a position on the
board or trying to make the other owners aware of their common concerns?
I can think
of a few ideas.
Move
Why stay in a condo that operates like it is a residential building in
Pyongyang? Instead of fighting, especially if you have very little
support from the other owners, spend your time, energy and money
finding a home in a less oppressive environment.
However, if you want to, or have to, stay (mainly due to low equity)
then keep reading.
Avoidance
Most owners know where the cameras are, so try to avoid them. If you
live in an older condo that doesn't have locks on the
staircases and cameras in the hallways, go up and down the stairs to do
your canvassing or when
meeting with your supporters.
If there are cameras in the hallways, and the security guards or the
manager can see who enters or leaves your unit, hold your meetings off
the property. Small groups can meet at the local library, at coffee
shops or in a room at a nearby condo or in someone's basement.
Stealth
When you come on the condominium property, wear hoodies. CCTV cameras
look downward
so hoodies, baseball caps and sunglasses make it hard for them to
recognize faces, especially if you look downwards.
When you get on the elevators, walk to the back of the cab and stand
right
under the camera, face forward. It makes it harder for them to see
you.
When you—and your guests—use an elevator, get off two or more floors
above or below
your true destination and take the stairs to the floor you are going to.
Shame
Write an open letter to the board informing them that you know of the
illegal video surveillance and that it must immediately stop, the board
must pass a resolution listing the corporation's privacy policies and
the board's commitments to honour the policy and Ontario's privacy
legislation.
This probably will not work but it puts their lack of ethics out in the
open and it gives you another position to campaign on.
Humour
Use political theatre to raise awareness in the building. This fake
CCTV camera made out of a cardboard box will get some laughs.
You could have a face painting crafts event. Offer prizes, by age
groups, for the best mask. This kit can be bought at most dollar stores.
You could try carving a watermelon to make a mask/hat like this Beijing
subway rider. That should get a reaction.
Spy vs spy
Some owners use their own surveillance cameras on their doors to catch
vandals and prevent eavesdropping.
The owners of one condo unit installed a tiny video camera to monitor
their front door. When other owners came to their unit for a meeting
about voting out the board, they watched the superintendent standing in
the hallway with his ear to the door listening to what was being said.
They made sure he didn't hear anything important.
Hidden
cameras
Instead of changing the key set in their door, or adding a second lock,
some condo owners—who have been harassed by the manager or the board
have installed
secret video cameras in their units. If anyone enters their unit when
they are away, the camera starts
recording audio and video and sends a signal to the owner so they can
watch the video live on their smart phone.
Sweeping
There are "spy" stores in Toronto that sell or rent electronic devices that sweep for
hidden cameras. If you are losing sleep over it, then spend $50 and
have your hallway checked.
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