My new neighbors installed a camera in front of my garden. I taught them a lesson they’ll never forget

I knew I had to take action when I spotted a camera pointed directly at my backyard. What started as a simple concern over privacy quickly escalated into a chaotic spectacle—one that caught the attention of the authorities and led to unexpected consequences.

It all began when my new neighbors, Fernando and Camila, moved in next door. They seemed like typical, if slightly reserved, people. I welcomed them with a basket of fruit, assuming they would blend into the neighborhood like anyone else. But something felt off from the start. Fernando made a vague comment about security being a priority for them, which I didn’t think much of at the time. Looking back, I should have paid more attention.

A week later, after returning from a visit to my parents, I noticed a small black device mounted under their eaves. My stomach dropped when I realized it was a camera—and worse, it was aimed directly at my garden. The invasion of privacy was infuriating.

I confronted them, but they dismissed my concerns, insisting it was for security purposes. Their indifference only made me angrier. I could have reported them, but I had no patience for bureaucratic back-and-forth. Instead, I decided to handle things my own way.

I called my friend Sofia, who immediately saw the potential for some creative payback. Soon, we had assembled a team: Lucas, a visual effects expert, and Clara, who had an endless supply of costumes. Together, we planned a performance that Fernando and Camila wouldn’t forget.

On Saturday, we gathered in my backyard dressed in the most ridiculous outfits imaginable. I wore a fluorescent blue wig over a silver jumpsuit with a tutu, while Lucas sported a pirate hat. Our goal was simple—keep the camera focused on us at all times.

At first, we acted out a casual gathering, playing exaggerated versions of ourselves. Then we moved on to the main event. The scene played out dramatically: a fake argument, a staged attack, and a ketchup-covered “victim” collapsing in the middle of my garden. As planned, the sight of what appeared to be a violent crime unfolding in broad daylight was enough to set off alarms.

Right on cue, the sound of sirens filled the air. We scrambled inside, wiped off the ketchup, and changed into normal clothes. Moments later, the police arrived at my door, responding to a report of a violent incident. I played innocent, explaining that we had simply been rehearsing a play. When one of the officers pointed out that my yard had high fences and questioned how anyone could have seen us, the real issue became impossible to ignore.

By the end of the night, the police confiscated the camera. A few days later, Fernando and Camila put their house up for sale.

The next morning, as I stretched out in the sun, picking ripe tomatoes from my garden, I felt a fleeting moment of guilt. But then I remembered all the times I had unknowingly been watched, and any remorse quickly faded.

Some problems in life call for practical solutions. Others require a little creativity.