ArcaMax

Dear Amy: My husband and I recently installed a security system with cameras. One of the cameras captures a view of the driveway and street in front of our house, as well as a partial view of my neighbor's driveway. My neighbor is a single mom with a teenage son.

One day my husband was viewing the activity on the camera, when we noticed the same car parking in front of our house almost every day, and my neighbor's son getting into the car, sitting there for a few minutes and then getting out and going back into the house.

We assumed that there was probably something shady going on, but decided it was really none of our business.

Recently my neighbor and I were casually chatting, and she commented that she was having problems with her son. She said she was worried about him having a problem with prescription drugs. I did not say anything about the camera footage.

My husband thinks we should stay out of it, and that the neighbors are due their privacy. The cameras were meant for security, not spying. I'm of the mind that his mother should know everything we've seen, so she can decide what is best for her son.

What do I do?

-- Not Nosy Neighbor

Dear Neighbor: You have seen something that really doesn't have anything to do with you, but it does concern your neighbor. I infer that you would not have brought this up until she independently introduced the topic when she told you about her own suspicions.

You could have witnessed this behavior by looking out your window, versus viewing security footage, and so you should tell this mother what you have seen. It is not necessary to tell her you have a record of this activity on camera (it could compromise your own security to some extent if others know you have cameras).

Just tell her, "You brought up your concern, and I want you to know that I've noticed a car stopping out front every day. Your son gets in for a few minutes, and then goes back into the house."

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