Man looking into my window

[Amy995]

Hi all, I have a neighbour who is 79 years old and I’m pretty sure he’s suffering with mental health problems (shouts abuse at neighbours, very paranoid). He seems to be getting worse and police are at his home regularly due to his wife having to be taken into a womens refuge because of his abuse.
However, he keeps looking through my window and has shouted ‘oi’ while doing it before, and I don’t mean he looks through my window from the pavement I mean he comes onto my property and puts his head up to the window and his hands around the sides of his head to properly look in my house. Can I call the police about this? I know it might seem unfair because I believe he’s mentally I’ll I don’t want him to get into trouble I think he’s just escalating and I’m worried no one is taking notice that he might need help. He’s extremely aggressive and has assaulted a neighbour before and as I said his wife had to leave due to abuse. I’m worried if I contact the police they will say it isn’t a crime to look into someone’s window? I’m a young single mum and I’m just worried he will try and come in my house or something I of course keep my door locked but right now I’m too frightened to answer the door when he knocks I’m not sure what to do, any advice would be great xxx

Yes I would report to police. I would also get CCTV/camera though so you've got evidence.

Definitely report to the police

Op, please take this very seriously. You need to call the police to report this and call every single time there is an incident. It is also very important for you to get cameras to record this man's behaviour. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this.

You absolutely should report to police, every single time. I'd also go into your nearest station during the day and have a more general chat with the community policing team.

CCTV or at the least a ring doorbell type set up would also be handy, but if that's not affordable a paper diary of every incident would also be useful.

And of course, keep your door locked. And 999 it if you ever feel unsafe.

Just re-read the end of your OP - don't answer when he knocks. Absolutely don't. I know it's a bit awkward to skulk around your own home pretending someone isn't at the door, but you're not obliged to open the door to anyone,

Thank you all for your advice you’re all so kind I was worried people would think I was harsh for considering calling the police so thank you for reassuring me, I will definitely be taking RBI’s seriously and will let the police know the next time this happens thank you ladies xx

I’ll definitely be taking this seriously** it should say 🤦🏼‍♀️

Reporting to the police not harsh at all. I would find someone peering through my window really upsetting. Report and as someone else suggested may be worth getting cctv. What the man is going through is sad and horrible for him and his wife but that doesn't mean you should feel scared and uncomfortable in your own home

Definitely call the police. I had someone similarly unwell let themselves in to my house and really frighten my child (and me), and I’d say call EVERY TIME. It may escalate and he will be far worse off if it does as will you. If you have nice neighbours too ask for their phone numbers so you could text them particularly if they can see your windows from their house.

My NDN has dementia and I've had quite a few incidents like this OP, including one where he actually assaulted me and tried to force his way into my home. Honestly you need to report everything because believe it or not it's the best way to get them the help they need, all your reports help build a picture so that social services etc can act.

I reported the assault to the police and the antisocial behaviour to the housing association, not because I wanted him punished but so that all the authorities involved knew how bad things had got. The response has been good, the police didn't prosecute but they did inform social services which prompted more help from them. The HA have been amazing and are now liaising with SS and monitoring the situation and things are vastly improved.

He doesn't knock my door anymore (it was 10+ times a day before) or peer through my blinds or blast his tv through the wall at 2am every night and he has a lot more support. So don't feel guilty for reporting, in circumstances like this it really is the best thing for all concerned

Agree with others, report every time as it'll draw up a picture. I'd also take videos on your phone if you can't afford Cctv. He may need to go to a nursing home for his health issues, so could actually be helping him

My neighbour used to do this. He was not aggressive though or confrontational.

He had always been a nosy neighbour, he just lost the idea of what was acceptable behaviour, as he aged.

I did mention it to his son but nothing changed for a few years.

Eventually he lost his mobility and stopped leaving his house.

If your neighbour is causing you distress you should alert the authorities.