us Personal safety & immediate danger stranger outside workplace • repeated loitering at entrance • someone waiting near office door • suspicious person near work • being watched at work • pattern of appearances • same time each day • workplace entrance safety • concerns about being followed • possible stalking near work • unwanted attention at workplace • uneasy commute to work • someone hanging around building • leaving work feels unsafe • arriving at work feels unsafe • unknown person near reception • stranger near parking lot • harassment outside workplace • safety plan for work arrival

What to do if…
you notice a stranger repeatedly appearing near your workplace entrance at the same times

Short answer

Move to a safer pause (inside, around other people) and report it to your workplace (manager/HR/security) so you’re supported immediately. Start a quick incident log, and if you feel threatened or it escalates, contact law enforcement (911 for immediate danger; otherwise your local police non-emergency line or online reporting).

Do not do these things

Do not confront the person alone or try to “see what they want.”
Do not walk out to your car/bus stop alone if you’re uneasy.
Do not post about it publicly with identifying details of your schedule or location.
Do not try to follow them, corner them, or get risky close-up photos.
Do not assume you need “proof” before asking for help.

What to do now

Get to a safer pause first. If you’re outside, go back inside (or into a staffed nearby business) where there are people and cameras.
Report it immediately through your workplace channel. Tell a manager/HR/security/reception lead: “A stranger has been repeatedly showing up at our entrance at the same times.” Ask who is coordinating the response today.
Ask for concrete protection for your next entry/exit. Examples:
- A security/colleague escort to your car/public transit.
- Someone to meet you at the entrance at your usual time.
- Use a different door/route if available, and avoid isolated areas (parking garage corners, rear stairwells).
File an internal incident report and ask for retention of evidence. Ask your employer/building management to:
- Log the incidents (date/time/location) and brief front-desk/security staff.
- Preserve relevant CCTV for the dates/times (many systems overwrite quickly).
Create a simple incident log (factual, brief). Record:
- Date/time, exact location, what the person did, how long they stayed.
- Description (clothing, height/build, distinguishing features).
- Vehicle details only if safely visible (make/color/plate).
- Names of coworkers who witnessed it.
Use “buddy + visibility” for the next few days.
- Arrive/leave with a coworker when possible.
- Slightly vary your timing if you can, and use well-lit, busy paths.
- If you use rideshare/taxi, choose a safer pickup point (front lobby, staffed area).
Contact law enforcement when your safety feels at risk.
- Call 911 if you feel threatened, the person approaches/blocks you, tries to follow you, you’re being prevented from entering/leaving, or you believe a crime is in progress (even if you’re not sure what it is).
- Otherwise, call your local police non-emergency number (or use local online reporting) to report the repeated pattern and ask for advice. Provide your log and request an incident/case number.
Ask about property-based options without assuming they exist everywhere. If this is private property (building/lot), ask building management/security and local police what no-trespass or removal options apply in your area and what they need from you/employer.
Loop in one trusted person outside work (briefly). Share where you’ll be and when you expect to be home, and arrange a check-in once you’re away from work.

What can wait

You do not need to decide whether it’s “stalking,” “casing,” or something else before reporting—focus on the repeated pattern and your safety.
You do not need to identify the person, confront them, or gather evidence beyond safe notes.
You do not need to make irreversible changes (quit, move, change your whole routine) in the first hour.

Important reassurance

It’s reasonable to take repeated, time-patterned appearances seriously and to ask for support early. Involving your workplace and, if needed, law enforcement is a protective step—not an overreaction.

Scope note

This is first steps only—focused on immediate safety, documentation, and getting the right people involved. If it continues, follow your workplace security/HR process and local law enforcement guidance for next steps.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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What to do if…you notice a stranger repeatedly appearing near your workplace entrance at the same times