Should I report this to police?

[towncalledPalice]

I'm a single mum living in a block of flats with my 2 DC, 6 and 1 years old. Today the children were with their grandmother. I came home from town around 5pm and pretty much as soon as I shut the door my flat buzzer went off, it was from a woman saying she lived at flat 21 (the block behind me) and could she come up as she needed to speak to me. I was confused as I'd never experienced anything like this before but let her up anyway. She then accused me of stealing her cigarettes?! She said that she saw me putting my rubbish out earlier, and she had left a pack of cigarettes on the wall, and that she had CCTV evidence of me putting the cigarettes under my buggy (which I also had as I was putting it away in the garage). I told her that I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about, that I hadn't even seen any cigarettes and I've never once smoked in my life! She kept repeating that she had CCTV footage of me, which I repeatedly asked her to show me as I know I did nothing wrong, and she kept changing the subject. Eventually she asked for my mobile number, which I gave her, so she could send me the footage. She never did send any footage, but instead called me half an hour later to say she was sorry, but she had the wrong person and it was apparently someone who "looked like me". At this point I was very upset and felt quite intimidated as she had bought her massive boyfriend along with her too. She kept saying how bad she felt and the conversation ended. The kids were dropped home a while later and as their grandparents were leaving the girl ran out of a car, trying to hug me and saying how sorry she was. By this point I was totally freaked out. My EX MIL knew what happened and luckily got back out her car and told her to clear off and leave me alone. Do you think this is just a case of the girl being a bit nutty or possibly some kind of scam? I don't want to overthink things but it was so odd and she kept going on and on about how these fags had cost her 50 quid.

@towncalledPalice Very bizarre! I'd definitely phone the police on the non emergency line, even if it's just to put your mind at ease.

They may have a log of her doing it to other people too. Hope you're OK x

But she said sorry...

What are the police going to do? Why would you waste their time?

I don't know really. I never thought of contacting the police but the people who I have mentioned it to says it sounds like some kind of scam?

@towncalledPalice it could potentially be a scam and even if its just for reassurance, I would phone them. Imagine if she's doing it to vulnerable and elderly people?

[quote Snackasaurus]@towncalledPalice it could potentially be a scam and even if its just for reassurance, I would phone them. Imagine if she's doing it to vulnerable and elderly people?[/quote]
That's what my dad just said. I asked her how she even knew my flat number and she told me she had been waiting and watched me come home. Felt so odd.

I would log it just in case. She sounds unstable.

That's really bizarre. I'd be tempted to phone the police too just in case.
So she has your address and mobile? I don't know what she could do with that info though.

@towncalledPalice That's very bizarre! Can you block her number too?

Let us know how you get on x

She might have been scoping your flat out OP.

Make sure you lock up properly every time you go out.

It’s an odd one but I think I’d be tempted to call the non emergency number just to log it on the sense that somethings feels off about it.

I’d report her intimidating behaviour to 101 for sure - you’re probably not the only person she’s done this too. Block her number and don’t let random people in or give out your details like that in future!

Given the paranoid accusation, unlikely aspects to the story (video evidence) and then big mood swing / inappropriate apology with unwanted physical contact, I'd say she may well be under the influence of drugs.

Just try to keep your distance in future and if she approaches you in similar fashion, mention the police which is the magic word that makes druggies go away e.g. "If you think I've taken your cigarettes, you should call the police".

Did you let her into your flat at all?

Considering the short shrift the police give women calling to report DV, I'm not sure what kind of response you'd get.

She probably hit all the buzzers until someone let her in - why did you?

Sounds like drugs. Especially the hug. Cigarettes @£50??

Sounds very bizarre. Unlikely the police would do anything though. Block her number.

I think she was checking out your flat OP - maybe she wanted your mobile number to figure out when you’re out .

Alternatively she was just a bit odd - I’d block her number and just be a bit extra careful about security

Nutter or junkie... either way, block the number and give no more thought to her. Chances are, once shes found something else to stick up her nose, she wont even remember she ever spoke to you.

She sounds like possibly mental illness or substance abuse. I don't see what the scam could be apart from her asking you to replace the cigs. I would try not to worry.

Report it to the police in case she is scamming people. She sounds like someone who may have mental health issues, and her erratic behaviour maybe known to official agencies. If nothing else, reporting as a safeguarding issue would be worth-while. However, if she comes back bothering you again, call the police every time until it is dealt with. If you feel unsafe in your accommodation, get a CCTV off ebay. I had trouble with a neighbour from hell dumping rubbish in my bin...all sorted since the CCTV went up and I told him I would call the police if he did that again.

Cigarettes are £10 per pack though
I think she was hoping she could intimidate you into offering her money for replacement cigs.
Probably tried doing this to loads of people, try not to worry.

Log it, she sounds unstable and as though she’s targeted you. It’s a shame she has your mobile number and knows where you live but hopefully she’ll leave you alone now.

It’s a frightening experience with a person who’s local so you are justified in logging it.

Why did you give her your mobile number? If she genuinely had CCTV evidence, it would be her who would be sending it to the police.

I disagree about blocking her number. Better the devil you know....and all that shit. If she texts you or calls you - don’t reply obviously - but you’ll be aware of what’s going on and you’d have a log if she’s harassing you. My fear would be that if you block her, she decides to come over and you’re not prepared. If she texts/calls you can be ready for action.

I’d call the police - they can go visit her and this will let her know she’s on their radar. You’ve got young children - make sure this loser never ever comes near you again.

I’m also wondering if you let her in to your flat or if she got a good look at the door.

It also strikes me there might have been something else in that pack of cigarettes.

Do the police actually log things? I suppose I’d just say keep an eye out for her.