What to do if…
someone threatens to show up where you are and gives details that suggest they can find you
Short answer
Get to a safer place with other people and call 999 if you feel at risk right now (or they could arrive soon). If it’s not immediate, report it via 101 (or your local police force’s online reporting) and preserve evidence.
Do not do these things
- Do not go outside or “check” alone to see if they’re there.
- Do not agree to meet them “to calm it down” or to prove you’re not scared.
- Do not argue back, negotiate, or send threats—keep contact minimal.
- Do not post your location (or travel plans) or ask for help publicly where they can see it.
- Do not delete messages/voicemails—keep them as evidence.
- Do not open the door to an unexpected knock, even if they claim it’s urgent.
What to do now
- Create a safer pause (30–90 seconds).
Move to a staffed, lockable, or busy place (reception, shop, café, security desk). If you’re at home, lock doors/windows, stay away from front rooms/windows, and keep your phone charged and with you. - Decide “999 now” vs “101/online.”
- Call 999 if you believe they could arrive soon, violence is threatened, you can see them nearby, or you feel unsafe staying where you are.
- If it’s not immediate, call 101 (or use your local force’s online reporting) to make a report and get advice.
- When you contact police, give specifics quickly.
Tell them: your exact location now, what was threatened, the details that suggest they can find you (address, landmarks, workplace, routine, vehicle), and any identifying info (name/number/account, description, vehicle). Ask for an incident/reference number. - Tell the people who can control access right now.
If you’re in a building, tell reception/security/manager (or campus security if applicable). Ask them not to let anyone in for you and to call 999 if the person appears. - Preserve evidence immediately (without “tidying it up”).
Screenshot messages showing the account/number + timestamps. Save voicemails. If it’s social media, capture the profile and the threat. Make a quick note: time, wording, what they seemed to know, and whether it’s escalating. - Shut down easy ways they might be tracking you (quick wins only).
Turn off any live location sharing you’ve enabled (for example: phone “Find My”/device sharing, Google/Apple location sharing, WhatsApp live location, Snap Map). Stop live posting. If you suspect an account compromise, change your main password and enable two-step verification from a safer device if possible. - Bring in support so you’re not handling this alone.
Call or message one trusted person and say: “I’ve had a credible threat; I’m at [place]; I’m contacting police.” Stay on the phone if that helps. - If this is linked to stalking, harassment, or an ex/partner, get specialist support.
Contact the National Stalking Helpline for practical safety guidance. If this relates to domestic abuse, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for confidential support.
What can wait
- Deciding whether to block them (often better after you’ve saved evidence and reported).
- Writing a full timeline—do a quick note now; a fuller one can wait.
- Changing your number, moving, or making big life changes.
- Any longer legal steps (orders/injunctions) until you’re safe and have initial advice.
Important reassurance
Feeling shaken, hyper-alert, or “not thinking straight” after a threat is a normal stress response. You don’t need to prove the threat is “serious enough” before prioritising safety and asking for help.
Scope note
This is first steps only to reduce immediate risk and prevent irreversible mistakes. If there’s a pattern (repeat messages, monitoring, showing up), you may need ongoing support and more detailed safety planning.
Important note
This is general information, not legal advice. If you think you are in immediate danger, call 999 now. If you’re unsure, it’s reasonable to treat threats with credible location details as urgent and seek help.
Additional Resources
- https://www.gov.uk/contact-police
- https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/beta-stalking-and-harassment/how-report-stalking-harassment/
- https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/beta-stalking-and-harassment/what-is-stalking-harassment/
- https://www.suzylamplugh.org/pages/category/national-stalking-helpline
- https://refuge.org.uk/i-need-help-now/how-we-can-help-you/national-domestic-abuse-helpline/
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/