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uk Personal safety & immediate danger someone waiting outside for me • person waiting by the exit • unsafe leaving a venue • unsafe leaving a building • i think i'm being followed • someone targeting me at exit • suspicious person near doorway • worried someone is after me • leaving alone feels unsafe • being watched outside venue • stalker waiting outside • harassment outside a building • fear at the exit • threatened when leaving • someone in the car park • anxious about walking out • someone waiting for me outside • personal safety at night out

What to do if…
you think someone is waiting near the exit of a venue or building specifically for you

Short answer

Don’t leave alone. Stay inside with staff and other people, and ask venue staff/security to help you leave safely (or call 999 if you feel in immediate danger).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t “just be quick” and slip out alone to test whether they’re really there.
  • Don’t confront them or try to film them at close range.
  • Don’t go to a car park/side exit alone “to check”.
  • Don’t post your location or exit plan on social media or in a chat where it could be seen.
  • Don’t go straight home if you think you’re being followed.

What to do now

  1. Move away from the exit and get to a staffed area. Go to the bar/reception/security point or ask to wait in an office/back room. Stay with other people if you can.
  2. Tell staff clearly what you need. Say: “I think someone is waiting outside for me and I don’t feel safe leaving.” Ask for:
    • a manager/security person now,
    • a safe place to wait away from doors/windows,
    • an escort to your taxi/car/public transport,
    • staff to watch the exit while you leave,
    • a different exit if available.
  3. If the venue has a code-phrase scheme, use it. Some venues use a discreet help phrase (for example, “Ask for Angela”). If you’re unsure, simply ask staff for help directly.
  4. Call police if you feel in immediate danger.
    • If a crime is in progress or you think harm is likely: call 999.
    • If you can’t speak on a mobile call to 999: stay on the line, make any safe noise (like coughing/tapping) if asked, and press 55 when prompted to confirm it’s a genuine emergency.
  5. Change the “exit conditions,” not your courage level. Leave only when at least one is true:
    • you’re leaving with staff or a group,
    • you’re leaving via a different exit,
    • your transport is ready and you can go straight to it,
    • staff can observe from inside until you’re away.
  6. Make leaving a single, supported move. Go directly to your transport with an escort. If using a taxi/rideshare:
    • have staff help you wait until it arrives,
    • leave only when you can get in immediately,
    • check you’re getting into the right vehicle before you step outside.
  7. If you think you’re being followed after you leave, don’t go home. Go to a busy, well-lit public place and call 999 if you feel at risk. If you’re driving, keep moving to a safe public location rather than stopping somewhere isolated.
  8. Capture key details without escalating risk. From inside (or via staff), note:
    • appearance/clothing and where they’re positioned,
    • time and what happened,
    • any vehicle details you can safely see. Ask staff to note the time and preserve any CCTV.
  9. Once you’re safe, message one trusted person. Share where you are now, where you’re going next, and what you want them to do (for example: stay on the phone while you get inside).

What can wait

  • Deciding whether this “counts” as stalking/harassment or whether you want to report formally.
  • Writing a full timeline (a few accurate notes and times are enough tonight).
  • Any longer-term safety changes (routes, routines, workplace/school involvement).

Important reassurance

It’s reasonable to treat this as real until you’re safely away. You don’t need proof to ask staff for help or to wait longer inside.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance for the next minutes to hours. If this is part of a repeated pattern, specialist support can help you plan safely without handling it alone.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal advice or a substitute for emergency services. If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.

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