PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Personal safety & immediate danger being stalked • i think someone is stalking me • repeated coincidental encounters • same person keeps showing up • someone following me • being followed in public • unwanted attention in person • harassment in the street • commute stalking • workplace stalking • home area being watched • patterns of encounters • suspicious sightings • fear after repeated meetings • safety after being approached • ex keeps turning up • stranger keeps appearing • public place safety concern • digital plus in-person stalking • documenting stalking incidents

What to do if…
you think you are being stalked after noticing repeated “coincidental” encounters

Short answer

Get to a safer, public place and tell someone you trust what’s happening. If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.

Do not do these things

  • Do not try to “test” them by going somewhere isolated or changing plans in a risky way.
  • Do not confront them alone or agree to “talk” somewhere private.
  • Do not post about the situation in real time (it can reveal your location and routine).
  • Do not delete messages, call logs, photos, or screenshots that might later help show a pattern.
  • Do not assume you need “proof” before contacting the police if you feel unsafe.

What to do now

  1. Move to a safer pause. Go inside a busy shop/café or towards staff/security, or join a group of people. If you’re driving, go to a well-lit public place (not home) like a petrol station or supermarket and stay where other people are.
  2. If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.
    • If you can’t speak on a mobile: call 999, and when the automated message prompts you, press 55 (or tap) to be connected to police.
    • If you can’t speak on a landline: call 999 and stay on the line; follow any instructions and listen for the operator.
      If you can, say your location—don’t rely on it being inferred.
  3. Tell one person, right now. Call/text a trusted friend/family member and share: where you are, what you’ve noticed, and what you’re doing next. If you’re at work/college, tell reception/security and ask for an escort to transport.
  4. Start a simple incident log (2 minutes). In your notes (or on paper if your phone might be monitored), record: date/time, exact location, what happened, what they looked like, any vehicle details, and any witnesses/CCTV locations. Keep screenshots, messages, photos, and any unwanted gifts.
  5. Change today’s routine safely. Don’t go straight home if you think you’re being followed. Take a well-populated route, stay in public areas, and ask someone to meet you or stay on the phone while you travel.
  6. Put a quick “human barrier” in place for the places you must go. If the encounters are happening around your workplace/home building, tell staff/building management what’s been happening and ask for practical steps today (e.g., not letting unknown visitors through, noting the person/vehicle description, walking you to transport).
  7. Lock down easy digital leaks. Turn off location sharing you don’t need, review who can see your posts/stories, and change passwords for your email and main accounts (email first). If you suspect your device is compromised, use a different device/account to contact help.
  8. Contact police on 101 (or report online via your local force). Say you’re worried about stalking due to repeated encounters and any unwanted contact. Ask for an incident number and how to send in your log/evidence. If you’re in England/Wales, ask whether police can consider applying for a Stalking Protection Order and what information would help them assess risk.
  9. Optional: speak to a specialist service for safety planning (you don’t have to report first).
    • National Stalking Helpline (Suzy Lamplugh Trust): 0808 802 0300
    • Victim Support Supportline: 08 08 16 89 111 (also has live chat)
    • Paladin (England/Wales, higher-risk stalking): 020 3866 4107

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to make a formal statement, press charges, or go to court.
  • You do not need to figure out their motive or “prove” it’s stalking before asking for help.
  • You do not need to do a big life overhaul (moving, changing jobs) as a first step.

Important reassurance

Noticing a pattern and feeling unsettled is a valid warning signal. Stalking often looks “explainable” in the moment, which is why writing things down and telling someone early can make you safer without escalating anything.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise and create safety and a record. Longer-term options (protective measures, workplace/school arrangements, legal routes, specialist advocacy) can come later.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you feel at risk right now, prioritise immediate safety and contact emergency services.

Additional Resources
Support us