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AIBU?

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Original poster

To call the police about creepy car on street

291 replies

sianais · 19/09/2018 01:06

Hi all,

Hoping there's someone up who can make me feel a little better. Basically for the last few nights a black Mercedes has been pulling up on the street with a direct view into my upstairs window (full length, curtains always open). Always after midnight. It sits there for around an hour sometimes more, sidelights on and no interior lights (occupants not even having phone screens on which light their faces...) but definitely people inside.

When this happened a few nights ago I saw the reflection of something pointed at my house as a car drove past - looks like a camera lens or similar. I called the police, they sent someone to drive by but they left without speaking to the car. 20 minutes ish later someone left the car, walked across the car park behind my house to another street. The car pulled off a little later.

I assumed it was a couples liaison or something and that I was imagining the lens reflection. It's been here for the last couple nights but I ignored it. Tonight I saw the reflection of something again and watched the drivers side occupant scratch their face clearly holding something and body positioned towards my house. Called police again and shut my curtains. Around 5 minutes later the car pulled away.

Am I being paranoid, or am I being watched?! Sitting here telling myself both things alternately. I live alone with my 3 year old daughter for context.

OP posts:
Original poster
sianais · 19/09/2018 23:29

Lexi, my DM is my landlord so certainly hope she's not up to any dodgy dealings... I'm seeing her Saturday so will try and bring up extra security and explain without making her super worried (she is definitely a worrier... maybe a family trait...).

OP posts:
lexi727 · 19/09/2018 23:32

Okay well that's one thing less to be worried about! Definitely worth the chat about security lights/burglar alarm etc. Then just hold tight for more information from the police, I suppose!

victoriaspongecake · 19/09/2018 23:38

Just go out and speak to them , then you will know.

MarthaArthur · 19/09/2018 23:41

Keep.a diary op of everytime the car appears and at what time etc. It might come in handy. Try not to panic though as dodgy doesnt necessarily mean it has anything to do with you. Also at night get into the habit if taking your handbag keys laptop tablets upstairs into your bedroom.

Cardiganandcuppa · 19/09/2018 23:50

It does sound weird.
i’d keep everything locked and phone in every time you see it.

Original poster
sianais · 19/09/2018 23:54

Victoria, not sure talking to them myself is a great idea- I don't feel comfortable wandering out past midnight even on my street. I'm a bit of a fraidy-cat.

Thanks Martha, a diary is a good idea. If nothing else will show a patterin if there's one to be seen.

Cardigan - I don't want to bother them every time as recently it's been every night! But I'll call if I see anything suspicious.

OP posts:
Aridane · 19/09/2018 23:55

Ahem - I would just go out and speak with them on a pretext

Otterseatpuffinsdontthey · 20/09/2018 00:05

Q

LoveAGoodChat · 20/09/2018 00:36

Op did the car come back tonight?

Did you speak to the police again? What did they say?

LoveAGoodChat · 20/09/2018 00:46

Op i just had an idea, why not get a next day delivery from Amazon for night vision goggles (there are some under a tenner and some just over a tenner, if you can't spend much)...then you would be able to see what is going on in the car in the dark...everything might have a green hue, but you would be able to see them and have an idea of how many people are in the car, what they are doing (and if they are staring up at your house)..it would settle your mind , because if they are staring up at the house then you can tell the police you know for sure they are watching you, and if it is just a couple snogging in the back seat you know it's likely an affair or a man who has "hired" an escort for a length of time...either way at least you would get a glimpse of what is going on in that car

LostMyBaubles · 20/09/2018 00:57

.

MintySweets · 20/09/2018 01:29

That sounds do scary. Phone police every time

IsaidMrDarcynotArsey · 20/09/2018 01:34

We had a couple of incidences with observers in cars ... one was insurance / fraud investigator: other a working girl’s minder using neighbours unsecured wi-fi, waiting for her to finish appointment nearby.

TheresAlwaysAnAskHole · 20/09/2018 07:36

Do NOT go out to them alone! Let the police or someone else approach them x

CoraPirbright · 20/09/2018 07:45

I am glad the police are taking it seriously.

Can you get some mates together (for moral support and back-up) and then either you or one of them march out when this car is parked up and pointedly start taking photos including of the reg number. I bet you wouldnt see the car again....

Oysterbabe · 20/09/2018 07:52

Get a mate round, go out and knock on the window, ask what they're doing.

DartmoorDoughnut · 20/09/2018 09:29

Hope they never come back!

IAmMumWho · 20/09/2018 09:34

Can you get or have a security camera fitted so it points to said area? It does sound rather dodgy to me. I agree with the other post about a possible private investigator. If they are taking photos you definitely need to know why?
Having said all that, could it not be your next door neighbor they are possibly looking at/spying on? I'd be insistent on maybe having a plain clothes officer in your home to witness what your saying? Could it already be surveillance by the police and they aren't telling you. It honestly could be anything.

StopItAndTidyUpNow · 20/09/2018 10:10

The EXACT same thing was happening to me last year. A random BMW was parking outside my house for hours on end after midnight, sometimes during the day aswell and just looking up at my house all the time!
I reported the car and reg to the police and an officer came out and gave me her personal number so that if i ever felt uneasy about the car I could call her directly anytime of the day or night.
After that I still saw the car but parked further up the street or just driving by rather than directly outside my house.

A few days ago i had a phone call from the police to say that particular car had been involved in another altercation and the fact that i reported it a year ago gave them the evidence they needed for whatever crime he had committed (wouldn't tell me what).

So definitely worth logging with 101 if anything.

AintNobodyHereButUsChickens · 20/09/2018 10:16

That does sound really creepy Shock I hope you get to the bottom of it! Will the police take it further if it keeps happening?

Original poster
sianais · 20/09/2018 23:50

Nothing yet tonight, all, and last night I went to bed too early to see them (it's unusual for me to be in bed before midnight!). Let's see. Thanks all for your support Flowers makes me feel better knowing people are concerned, I don't want to come across as paranoid! My friend has offered to 'go and have a word' on my behalf if they continue hanging around. Even if they're not doing anything remotely suspicious, they should be able to find somewhere else to park where they're not bothering others. They also parked half blocking the car park entrance the other night which is just rude.

OP posts:
Original poster
sianais · 20/09/2018 23:59

Car's just turned up... I parked in an awkward place where they'd have to block the car park entrance entirely to be able to see into my house still. They've parked there. Instead of further down the street. Curtains drawn, grumpy me.

OP posts:
Panda81 · 21/09/2018 00:05

I can't remember if you've already said OP, but how long does the car hang around for?

Losingthewill1 · 21/09/2018 00:05

if the car has turned up then call the police,

MipMipMip · 21/09/2018 00:05

Please let the police know OP. If they've only just come the police have a good chance of catching them and finding out the truth.