uk Personal safety & immediate danger someone trying to follow you in • tailgating into building • piggybacking through secure door • stranger entering shared entrance • unknown person in communal hallway • apartment block security concern • letting someone in behind you • someone pushing through door • suspicious person at lobby door • delivery person without access • person without key fob • shared building unauthorized entry • someone hovering at entrance • communal door safety • feeling unsafe in stairwell • building access control • refusing entry politely • residents entrance safety

What to do if…
you see someone attempting to enter a shared building behind residents without permission

Short answer

Don’t let them in. Step back, let the door close and lock, and move to a safer position; if you feel threatened or they force entry, call 999.

Do not do these things

Don’t hold the door open “to be polite” or use your fob/key to grant access for them.
Don’t go into a stairwell, lift, or other enclosed area with them.
Don’t physically block, grab, or try to restrain them.
Don’t argue at close range or keep replying once you’ve set a boundary.
Don’t follow them deeper into the building if they slip in.

What to do now

Create space and keep a barrier. Step back and let the communal door close and lock. If you’re inside, move back toward the entrance/lobby rather than deeper into the building.
If another resident is about to let them in, quietly intervene (from a safe distance). Something like: “Please don’t hold it—communal door policy is one person per key.” Then stop engaging and keep moving.
Use one firm, neutral line (optional). From a safe distance: “Sorry—I can’t let anyone in. Please use your own key or buzz the flat you’re visiting.” Say it once, then disengage.
Redirect them to the proper access route. Point them to the entryphone/intercom to contact the resident they’re visiting, or to concierge/security if your building has it—without you granting entry.
If they force entry or you feel in danger, call 999. Move to safety first (outside, behind a locked door, or into a nearby shop). Give the operator the exact address, where the person is, and what they’re doing.
If it’s not an emergency, report it. Call 101 or report online to your local police force (many forces offer online reporting). If you’re in Scotland, use Police Scotland’s contact options (101/online) as listed via GOV.UK.
Note details only if it’s safe. Time, clothing/appearance, which door, direction they went—then stop and get to safety.
Report the security weakness to building management. If the communal door didn’t latch/lock, report it as urgent and ask for the door closer/locks/access system to be checked and repaired promptly.

What can wait

You don’t need to decide now whether this was “definitely criminal” or “just awkward”.
You don’t need to confront them, prove intent, or investigate inside the building.
You don’t need to solve building-wide security today—logging the incident and any faulty door/lock is enough.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel awkward refusing someone at a shared entrance. In controlled-access buildings, not letting unknown people “tailgate” is a standard safety boundary.

Scope note

These are first steps for the moment you notice an attempted unauthorised entry. If it becomes a pattern, keep reporting incidents and push building management to fix access-control failures.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you believe anyone is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress, call 999.

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What to do if…you see someone attempting to enter a shared building behind residents without permission