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Original poster

Someone knocked on my door for iPhone charger…

31 replies

Loui98 · 05/10/2021 22:35

Hi

Someone knocked on my door around 7pm and simply asked ‘have you got an iPhone charger’. I said no and shut the door but now I’m feeling freaked out.

I haven’t seen him before. He was young (looked 18/19) and had air pods in.

I thought it was my mum as she was coming round the same time he knocked.

Should I be feeling as freaked out as I am? Seems a bit odd to ask a random house for an iPhone charger..

OP posts:
LightDrizzle · 05/10/2021 22:37

Well done you! I think your immediate reaction was the right one and in your shoes, I might have been flummoxed for a few seconds.

You did the right thing. It may or may not be dodgy but wtf!?

Original poster
Loui98 · 05/10/2021 23:00

Also when I opened the door he wasn’t in front of my door so I thought No one was there. I then looked around and he was kind of in the corner and then came out and said it. If he really wanted a charger I don’t understand why he didn’t come to the door as soon as I opened it! And when I said no he just stared instead of saying ok thanks or whatever! Wtf indeed!

OP posts:
MissCruellaDeVil · 05/10/2021 23:03

How peculiar! If he was a young lad maybe he got the wrong house and thought it was a mates?

Djifunrsn · 05/10/2021 23:09

bizarre
you did the right thing imo

AdoptedBumpkin · 05/10/2021 23:12

You did the sensible thing.

VenusTiger · 05/10/2021 23:40

A few yrs ago OP, a man knocked on my door (hoping we were still in the garden as you can see through the windows into the back and it was a hot August day - I came in by chance to grab something) and asked me for the time!!!!!!!!!!!!
I kid you not!
He was smoking too, so I know he wasn't expecting me to answer.
Our upstairs windows were open.
He made out he was working on our ndn's house, but when I checked later on, neighbours confirmed that no-one was expected round for any work.
He must've been an opportunist thief.

In4mation · 05/10/2021 23:42

Sounds like he was checking if anyone was in.

Bobsyer · 06/10/2021 00:00

Well, I wouldn't still be feeling freaked out now. You opened the door, told him no and he went away.

IndecentCakes · 06/10/2021 01:28

I suppose it would tell them if you had an iphone.

NumberNineTwo · 06/10/2021 02:09

An iPhone charger costs at least £25. Most people have a spare lying around from an old phone. If he can get hold of them he can sell them second hand. He was probably just trying his luck to get something he can flog.

simitra · 06/10/2021 02:23

Get a ring type doorbell with camera then you can see who it is (and speak to them) without committing yourself to opening the door!

LaBellina · 06/10/2021 02:30

Bizarre. Agree with pp that it seems a very vague/ bizarre excuse that was used to check if someone was in. In your shoes I would probably report it to the police (using the non emergency number). There could be vulnerable people in your area that might be at risk.

LaBellina · 06/10/2021 02:30

@simitra

Get a ring type doorbell with camera then you can see who it is (and speak to them) without committing yourself to opening the door!
Also this ^^
Skintywint · 06/10/2021 03:08

Could be the code word he and his dealer use for drugs and he's got the wrong address.

Original poster
Loui98 · 06/10/2021 03:29

I asked my neighbour if he knocked there too and she said he did and that it was very scary. I don’t think he has the wrong house. We live in a cul de sac and it’s quite hidden (most delivery drivers find it hard finding us)

OP posts:
MacMahon · 06/10/2021 03:34

Did you both report it?

Motherchicken · 06/10/2021 03:50

When I was 17, My car was towed. I had left all my belongings in the car and took just my phone. I was left on the street with no money, no cards just my phone with very little battery. Once I finished making calls and finally found out what had happened to the car. I had to figure out how to get home and in the house as I had no keys. I had To go into different shops and ask if someone had a charger I could use. Eventually someone did.

I agree you did the right thing for your safety. But he could have been locked out or kicked out. We just don’t know peoples circumstances.

BunnytheFriendlyDragon · 06/10/2021 03:52

I would be freaked out too OP

YoBeaches · 06/10/2021 10:40

You should report this OP. Could be sussing out the neighbourhood, who lives where etc

Original poster
Loui98 · 06/10/2021 11:05

I have reported it and they said for now it’s a contact report and to keep all windows and doors shut

OP posts:
TheChip · 06/10/2021 11:18

I'd of just assumed he needed a charger. Maybe he had a powerbank but lost the charging cable. But if your alarm bells were ringing, it's best that you listen.
Hopefully he managed to get home okay if was a case of a missing charger.

JizzyJane · 06/10/2021 11:21

@VenusTiger

A few yrs ago OP, a man knocked on my door (hoping we were still in the garden as you can see through the windows into the back and it was a hot August day - I came in by chance to grab something) and asked me for the time!!!!!!!!!!!! I kid you not! He was smoking too, so I know he wasn't expecting me to answer. Our upstairs windows were open. He made out he was working on our ndn's house, but when I checked later on, neighbours confirmed that no-one was expected round for any work. He must've been an opportunist thief.
He was smoking too

In that case you're right, he must have been up to no good

Carandi · 06/10/2021 11:32

Makes you wonder what he was expecting if you'd said yes. I wouldn't want to just hand over a charger to someone as they're expensive and you may not see it again. I also wouldn't allow the stranger in the house to charge their phone. Was he going to hand over his phone and wait outside for you to charge it a bit? I doubt it. Odd request all round.

PinkFootstool · 06/10/2021 11:48

@NumberNineTwo err, you can pick up lightning chargers for £1 in any pound shop.... Branded charging leads when used are utterly pointless to buy - they could be badly damaged inside.

Thecurtainsofdestiny · 06/10/2021 11:52

Years ago a young lad knocked on my door at 11pm. I didn't answer as was home alone at that point. Then his hand came through the letter box - obviously looking for a key!

I got scared and called the police. He was caught having broken into another flat, running with a video recorder ( tells how long ago this was). I heard later he'd been at other doors asking if people wanted milk delivered.

It has made me wary. I agree that you did the right thing.