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uk Personal safety & immediate danger someone loitering in lobby • person lingering in entryway • suspicious person in building lobby • unknown person watching residents • someone hanging around building entrance • creepy person in lobby • possible stalker in lobby • someone waiting by intercom • someone tailgating into building • someone trying to get inside block of flats • person casing the building • resident safety in communal areas • suspicious loitering by front door • unsafe to leave flat now • stranger near mailboxes • someone watching who comes and goes • worried about being followed upstairs • building entry security concern

What to do if…
you are inside a building and someone is lingering in the lobby or entry area watching residents

Short answer

Put distance and a locked door between you and them, and get help from someone with authority in the building (concierge/security/building manager). If you think anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t confront them alone or try to “test” them by walking past repeatedly.
  • Don’t buzz them in, hold the door, or let them “tailgate” behind you through a secure entrance.
  • Don’t reveal your flat number, name, or routine (even casually) while you’re deciding what to do.
  • Don’t go into isolated areas (stairwells, basement bike store, car park, bin store) to “check” what they’re doing.
  • Don’t assume it’s “probably nothing” if your gut says something is off.

What to do now

  1. Move to a safer pause point. If you’re in your flat, lock your door and use the peephole/door chain if you answer at all. If you’re in a corridor, step back into a secure area (your flat, a neighbour’s flat you trust, or a staffed area) and avoid being seen alone.
  2. Get a second person involved immediately. Call or message a neighbour, concierge, security, or the building manager/agent and ask them to check the lobby/entry area. If there’s no staff, ask a neighbour to be “on the line” while you decide your next step.
  3. If you need to leave the building, don’t do it solo. Wait until you can leave with another resident, staff member, or in a small group. If you must go out, choose a route that keeps you around other people and well-lit areas, and avoid basements/garages.
  4. Choose 999 vs 101/online based on immediate risk.
    • Call 999 if you believe a serious incident is happening or about to happen, someone is in immediate danger, the person is trying doors/following residents, or you feel threatened right now.
    • If you can’t safely speak, you can still call 999. Try to communicate if you can (even quietly). If you can’t talk: on a mobile, press 55 when prompted to be transferred to police; on a landline, staying on the line may allow the call to be transferred.
    • For non-emergencies, call 101 or report online (for example, suspicious but not immediately dangerous loitering/casing).
  5. Give clear, practical details (even if you’re unsure of intent). When you contact staff/police, share: exact location (building name/number and which entrance), what they’re doing (e.g., watching residents enter/leave, trying to follow in, waiting by the intercom), a description (clothing, height/build, distinguishing features), and whether they have a bag/vehicle nearby.
  6. Ask the building to preserve evidence without putting yourself at risk. If your building has CCTV or an entry log/fob system, ask management/concierge to save the relevant time window and provide it to police if requested. Don’t approach the person to get close-up photos.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide now whether to move, change your routine long-term, or invest in new locks/cameras.
  • You do not need to work out “who they are” or prove criminal intent before asking for help.
  • You can deal later with formal complaints to the managing agent, residents’ association, or landlord.
  • If you only want to pass information on anonymously (and there’s no immediate danger), you can do that later via Crimestoppers.

Important reassurance

It’s reasonable to feel alarmed by someone watching residents in a controlled entry area. Taking a cautious, low-contact approach (lock in, get staff/police support, avoid isolation) is not overreacting—it’s a safe way to buy time and reduce risk.

Scope note

This is first steps only for the next minutes to hours. If the behaviour continues or escalates, you may need building management and/or police to take further action.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal advice. If you feel unsafe or believe someone may be at risk, prioritise immediate safety and contact emergency services.

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