Cameras have been installed by the Housing Department to catch tenants who throw things out of the window. But the cameras' installation has drawn the attention of the Privacy Commissioner, who is worried it might infringe tenants' privacy. Yesterday, the department kicked off the six-month trial at three estates where the problem is rife. They are Tuen Mun's Leung King, Sha Tin's Hin Keng and Tai Po's Fu Shin estates which had a total of 38 serious reported cases, including throwing an axe, a pole and a stove out of windows in the past 12 months. No one was injured in the incidents. Under the $800,000 scheme, six cameras monitor housing block exteriors and a videotape recorder is kept in a sealed box at the estate office. 'In order to protect tenants' privacy, we have sought legal advice. Police and the Privacy Commissioner have also been informed of the system. Our tapes will be retained for at least a week in case of any trouble,' said Assistant Director of Housing Joseph Lee King-chi. Mr Lee said anything inside a flat at a distance of more than one foot from the window could not be filmed.
