us Personal safety & immediate danger someone peering in my window • person looking through window • stranger outside my window • someone at my window at night • window peeper outside house • peeping tom outside • suspicious person outside home • someone watching through window • someone scoping my home • intruder casing the house • stranger in my yard • someone in my backyard • someone on my property • person at my ground floor window • someone trying windows • unknown person outside apartment window • voyeur outside window • I feel unsafe at home now • someone lurking outside my window

What to do if…
you see someone peering into your windows from outside

Short answer

Get away from the window, lock down your home, and call 911 if the person is still there or you feel threatened.

Do not do these things

Don’t go outside to confront them or “see what they want”.
Don’t open the door to talk through it.
Don’t chase them if they leave.
Don’t stand in a lit window where you’re clearly visible.
Don’t assume it’s a misunderstanding until you’re safe.
Don’t disconnect from 911 unless the call-taker tells you to.

What to do now

Move to a safer spot immediately. Step away from windows and exterior doors. If possible, go to an interior room where you’re not visible from outside.
Secure entry points fast. Lock doors, close/lock accessible windows, and close blinds/curtains. If you can turn on outdoor lights from inside, do that.
Call 911 (or have someone else call while you secure). Tell the call-taker:
- Your exact address (and apartment/unit number if applicable)
- Where the person is (front/back, which window/side)
- What they’re doing (peering in, lingering, trying handles, moving around)
- A description (clothing, height/build) and any vehicle details
Stay on the line and follow instructions. 911 call-takers use questions to get the right help to you quickly. Generally, don’t hang up until the call-taker instructs you to.
If you can’t speak: if you can, keep the call connected and follow any prompts. If you truly can’t talk, texting 911 may work in your area — call if you can, and text only if you can’t. If text-to-911 isn’t available, you may receive an automatic “bounce-back” message.
Observe only if it’s safe. From a spot where you are not visible (and not near the glass), note the time and details. You don’t need to take risks to “get proof.”
Get everyone inside to the safer room. Quietly bring kids/pets with you. Grab your phone, keys, and essential medications in case you’re advised to leave.
If you’re in an apartment/building: after calling 911 (or while another person calls), notify building security/management so they can check shared entrances and preserve any CCTV.
If the person leaves before officers arrive: tell the call-taker and share the direction of travel/vehicle details. They may still take the report or advise you on the best non-emergency way to document what happened.

What can wait

Deciding whether to install cameras, upgrade locks, or add motion lighting.
Contacting your landlord/HOA (unless there’s immediate damage that needs repair).
Reviewing doorbell/CCTV footage in detail — do it once you’re calm and safe.
Writing a full narrative: for now, capture the basics (time, description, where it happened).

Important reassurance

Feeling alarmed after someone peers into your windows is a normal reaction. You don’t need to prove intent to take it seriously — creating distance, locking up, and contacting help is a reasonable safety response.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise the moment and reduce immediate risk. If this repeats or feels targeted, you may need additional support and a more detailed safety plan.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you believe you’re in immediate danger or a crime may be in progress, call 911.

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What to do if…you see someone peering into your windows from outside