Neighbour kicked my door down/broke in

[Sparklfairy]

AIBU to expect the police to arrest/remove him...?

I live alone in a flat in a block of 4. I have met this neighbour just once, and introduced myself. A few weeks ago he knocked on my door, not threateningly, but persistently - consistent knocking for 3-4 minutes... at 1.30am. I was awake as I WFH but nights, and just ignored it.

He went away, and there's been nothing since. Until yesterday at 6-something in the morning. Again, I was working but the flat was in total silence. No tv or any noise that would disturb him, I was literally just sitting on my bed.

Suddenly I heard a bang and froze. I was confused and didn't know what it was and was trying to work out where it was coming from. 3 or 4 further bangs and my front door burst open and he was stood there, swaying, glassy eyed.

I screamed. It's a studio, tiny flat, like one of those micro flats that you see advertised but yes, this is my life and I had no escape, no room to hide in, not even a bathroom with a lock on the door (as there is no lock, and the bathroom is opposite the front door).

I screamed at him, he said I was 'in' his head, fucking with his head (when I've done absolutely nothing), and when he tried to step towards me I screamed again and he suddenly 'clicked', became lucid and said ok and left. I was shaking.

My other neighbour (upstairs, but next door to him), texted me saying he heard screaming, and let me take refuge in his flat. Before I did, I obviously called 999. The police seemed non committal, that someone would come out at some point. 36 hours later I've had no visit.

But here is the kicker. When hiding in my neighbours flat, my friend/neighbour had the bright idea of just knocking on his door and talking to crazy tenant. He has recorded the conversation where crazy tenant admits I did nothing wrong but I just 'remind him' of someone and that's why he broke my door down

I rang 101 with the crime ref to update. The lady was so helpful and checked with her supervisor as she was astonished no one had come out to me yet. She reassured me that someone would attend and it had been miscategorised/recategorised now.

It's now nearly 9pm on Sunday and STILL nothing. I can't go home. The lock has been 'fixed' but obviously Crazy Tenant has proven that he can break it whenever he likes. I live alone. I have stressed every single detail which should have escalated this, but nothing is being done. I have chased with the letting agent but basically they're saying I have to wait until Monday for any action to be done. And even then, they were non committal as to WHAT would happen.

So I'm stuck, and cannot go home, and my rent is due today. I have no idea what to do.

What is wrong with you @ledsafari
Do you not realise how serious this is that you are trolling OP?

@Sparklfairy It's not safe back there even with mortice locks- This man is clearly mentally unsafe and dangerous.
Is there any way you can move house?
Thank goodness you have the recording of him admitting it.
There are probably his shoe prints on the door as well?

Hope things go better for you today OP.

What a shitty comment to make.

I can’t remember what they are called but you get these steel bars that are put in the side of door opposite to lock. They are screwed into door and corresponding holes put in the frame. It doesn’t effect the functionality of the door and you don’t have to lock them. It does brace the door so with a couple of decent Chubb locks your door would be much more secure.

Yes. There was still no need for that self-satisfied comment.

Raise a massive complaint with the police. Absolutely terrible they did not attend.

Document/video everything that's been done..damage, calling police,interactions with neighbour.

Door jammer. These work very well but they have to fit your door will as in door knob or just under:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AceMining-Upgraded-Security-Adjustable-Apartment/dp/B0BKKTFWJK/ref=asc_df_B0BKKTFWJK

Long term look at moving if you can afford it. I highly doubt much will be done about this guy, I'm very sorry to say.

I would be making them aware he seems to have had some kind of mental health episode. Tell them you felt threatened etc. I was attacked by a man in a public place it took them a week to contact me. Can you move I would look into this.

Good luck @Sparklfairy. Sounds like your neighbour has severe mental health problems.

And remember you do have a witness in the neighbour who let you stay and spoke to the guy. You also have the locksmith.

I just read all your responses OP, I’m sorry that some of the posters have been so doubting/dismissive/unpleasant towards you and your situation. It sounds fucking terrifying and I hope that you can get it all sorted today.

I don’t blame your reaction towards the police, in recent years there has been too much belief in the police resulting in all sorts of crimes committed by the very people who are meant to protect us the general public.

nothing i can say or do will help you, I hope that the police are more proactive today as well as your LL

What is the matter with you?? Getting your kicks bullying a vulnerable frightened woman? Get a life!

OP I’m sorry you’ve had so much pushback in this thread, it surely bizarre. It sounds terrifying and you’ve been completely failed by the police. I hope you get some resolution today.

Are you meaning to be so nasty to someone that's going through a hard time, is that how you get your kicks? Putting other people down?

How incredibly scary, OP. I hope you are feeling better in your hotel room and that you were able to get some sleep. The behavior of your landlord and the police are attrocious. He could have killed you and they are not even taking it seriously. You are absolutely right to raise hell. I would complain and complain till dealing with the easy is easier for them than to ignore. The bastards!

As for barricading the door, it doesn't have to be anything big. There are small devices that make opening a door a hell of a lot more difficult and time consuming. There are like a ton of these on Amazon and they are cheap:

Ofcourse all this buys you time. Ultimately, if someone really wants to get in they will eventually. Is there a fire escape or balcony you could lower yourself down from?

@Sparklfairy dont waste your time reporting to Crime Commissioner or OPCC as both will simply refer it back to the force. Go on the forces own webpage and there will be instructions on how to make a complaint and/or get in touch with your MP.
If the neighbour had left by the time you rang the police the first time it will have been downgraded from urgent and as time has passed Probably further still but you should at least have had a tel call from someone.
so sorry you have had what must have been a terrifying experience and hope you get it all sorted. 🥰

Your initial question was clearly aimed as you doubted her and you had an ulterior motive, which you then went ahead and revealed with your further nasty comments.

I'm sorry you have had such a terrifying experience OP. Has your LL any other properties to move you to?

The reason I ask is many years ago. A neighbour (block of flats) hated me on sight. He wouldn't leave me alone so after about a year, he ended up evicted by the LL. Unfortunately, for about a year after that he'd drive around following me.

The LL should have moved me first. You don't want someone that unstable knowing where you live. Good luck with the police appointment.

I did. It makes not one bit of difference whether she pays her rent card, cash, bank transfer or other. You’re being nasty for the sake of it and now back-pedalling as you’ve been called out.

I agree op with previous poster, I know its completely unfair and a huge ballache for you to be moved but actually I think that is likely the safest option for you where this man's concerned. I wouldn't want someone so unstable and volatile knowing where I live if he is moved. I'm so sorry this is happening.

Agree. You doubled down mocking how OP paid rent as well. We all read your comments.

What is wrong with you? Seriously.