So, the radio comes on as it normally does and since it's the weekend, I decide to stay in bed and just doze for a while before getting up. Next thing I know there's someone banging on the door.
A strange man was there, pushed into my flat and abused me about how he was trying to sleep and I had to turn my radio off NOW! The radio was not excessively loud - if the bedroom door is pulled closed I can barely hear it in the living room. I'm absolutely terrified at this stage and told him that if he didn't leave my flat now, I was calling the police. He didn't leave, I called the police.
The police came very quickly - there's something about being a single woman having her home invaded that brings them out really quickly - and pointed out to the lunatic that the radio was not excessively loud and even if it was, he had no right to push into my flat and abuse me.
My neighbours are outside by this time - I'm the youngest in the block of flats and they tend to keep an eye on me. It can be irritating at times, but not today. They tell the police that in the nearly 4 years I've lived there, nobody has ever had cause to complain about the amount of noise that I make and that the only way they ever heard my radio was if I was out on the balcony with all doors open. The police basically tell the guy that there's no issue here and suggest he invest in some earplugs.
The lunatic thankfully doesn't live here - he's staying in the flat next door for a couple of days. I'm scared to go outside because I really don't want to see him again. Athol, my downstairs neighbour was with me until about an hour ago, but he obviously can't stay here all the time and he's in his 70's. I can't and don't expect him to be with me all the time, but I really don't want to go outside.
Why should I be the one living in fear here? I've done nothing wrong - even the police said that, and all of my elderly neighbours have said they never have had a problem with me at all.
I'm livid - and I don't get angry that often. It's a day that I've virtually wasted here and I hate doing that...
Yikes. I'm glad you're okay and the police came so quickly. How scarey!
Do you have a friend you can call to stay with you? I can understand why you'd be nervous going out. He likely might not bother you, but I wouldn't want to take a chance on it either.
Unbelieveable! The nerve of some people. Honestly, even if it did somehow wake him up, there are 1,003 nicer ways to ask you politely to turn it down. That is an awful way to start the day! Not to mention frightening. I'm glad your police were so responsive... Did he ever concede that he shouldn't have barged into your home?
hey nicolen, that is really scary! I am glad that the police responded so quickly, that your neighbours watch over you, and that he doesn't live there and is only visiting. Some people truly make you wonder. I hope you've been okay the rest of the day, sorry to hear that you felt trapped inside! I hope tomorrow's much MUCh better for you
Wow, that guy has some serious mental issues! Thank God he's only staying there a couple of days. I definitely would tell the tenant about what their "house guest" did to you.
Thanks for all the hugs, guys. It's about the same time now as yesterday when he did this and so far no sound from him - thankfully. The radio is also on at the same volume as yesterday and I've got my mobile beside me with the emergency number already dialed - just in case it starts again.
I'm definitely going to be having a word with the tenant about this when I next see him again. Unfortunately since he travels a lot, I hardly see him, so who knows when this is. Athol knows the owner of the flat - it's the only rented one in our block - and will be giving him a call for me as well.
The police warned him for unlawful entry - they told me there was no point in charging him at this stage since all he'd get would be a warning since it was only unlawful entry rather than burglary or breaking and entering, so yeah. Not overly happy about that one. I'm delighted they responded so quickly - slightly cynical about it too, as there's been some bad publicity for them about what's termed as "home invasion" here where they've not responded too fast and the resident who's been invaded has been seriously injured or worse. I get the feeling it's one of those things they've been told has to have an instant response.
You know what I noticed last night - he's parking in my car park. OK, it's empty because I've finally sold my car, but it's still very rude that he didn't ask permission. Not worth making a big deal over it, but I am well within my rights to get him towed...
I would wonder if the man is schizophrenic, bipolar, or has borderline personality disorder. These disorders sometimes cause some sound to be perceived at a much louder volume (even if there is louder sound in the environment), and also sometimes cause the poor social skills in dealing with others.
Not excusing his behavior, and I don't know if he is dangerous or not. That there hasn't been another incident is a good sign, but I would definitely agree not to open a door when someone is pounding wildly on it (or even calmly knocking for that matter). They can tell you what they want through the door, and if you don't recognize the voice, be very wary about being lured into opening the door (there's a fire, I need help...) these can be used to trick you into opening the door. Something by the door that can be used as a weapon is a great idea too. Living alone doesn't mean you have to be paranoid, but a few precautions can't hurt.
Nicole - Remember that his intent is to scare you into submission. I'm not telling you to take undue risks but I want you to also be empowered. You have made friends in the building. You made the right decision to call the police. You are being very aware of your surroundings. All of that makes you a smart woman.
In San Diego, we commonly have a locked wrought iron screen door and a main door (so that we can keep the main door open and let a breeze through). I assume you just have the main door. I would encourage your neighbors to pay you a visit for the next few days. Make sure he's aware that you're not home alone and you have friends throughout the building.
Oh my gosh, I'd be terrified. Heck, I usually don't even bother opening the door when I'm home alone unless I'm leaving. It's too scary or I'm semi paranoid.
Not how I intended to spend the day (rant)
