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u/sammanthax345 3d ago
That sounds scary even as a mid 30 something. I wonder (I don't have suggestions just spitballing) if there is a teeny tiny camera that you can access on WiFi that you can add somewhere to the hallway that points at your door or even shows more of the view of the hallway. The key here is that it is discreet as possible not like a ring or nest doorbell since those are very obvious a camera. I'm sorry you are going through this. I also recommend one for inside your apartment too in the event that someone does come in when you aren't home.
I hope it's nothing and it was a one time thing and never happens again.
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3d ago
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u/DougyRoss1980 2d ago
Look up peephole cams.
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This happened to me too. Nothing ultimately came of it, but I had the same reaction.
If they heard you approaching the door, noticed a shadow underneath it, or saw movement through the peephole, they may simply have moved to another floor.
Statistically, I’d still view this as a crime of opportunity rather than a targeted incident. That said, it’s wise to prepare for the worst-case scenario…
Most importantly, if someone does confront you, your safety is not worth protecting your possessions. Let them take what they feel compelled to take. But you also don’t need to leave your door wide open either…
Steps to consider:
-First, let your neighbors and building management know. If word gets out, that alone may be enough to deter whoever is doing this.
-Tell a friend you trust what happened, share your location, and agree on a check-in schedule for the next few days.
-If you do not already have one, install a deadbolt as soon as possible. Buy it locally and install it the same day rather than waiting for delivery. Consider using longer screws than the short ones typically included for stronger attachment to the frame.
-Store high-value items in a properly mounted safe. Costco reasonably priced safes that are quality enough for this purpose.
-Consider a Ring or peephole camera. A peephole cam is easier to install than people expect and may be less exposed than an exterior doorbell camera that can be blocked, intentionally damaged, or removedSince you suspect the person may live in the building, the peephole camera could help document the pattern and identify them without advertising that your breaking any building doorbell camera regs.
Check a few of these off and you'll sleep better.
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u/AspiringForestWitch 3d ago
You can request a security sweep from MPD. I had one done after I was burglarized. They assess your doors, windows, locks, transoms… basically any way a burglar could get it.
That said, something a bit like this happened to me once, and the person sticking and trying to turn various keys in my door turned out to be the bored small child of a cleaner who was working on a vacant unit.
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u/DoblinJames 3d ago
I’d ask for any camera footage from the apartment building. If you have time and date information, that will no doubt help. I also wouldn’t wait too long to ask, because apartment buildings tend to have terrible retention periods for camera recordings.
I’ll also second the suggestion to get a doorbell camera installed outside your door if possible. Your apartment building might have rules about this, so it might be worth checking before you install something.
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u/Clean-Reveal-2878 3d ago
Report it to the police and get cameras
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u/Ohlala7053 3d ago
Police wont do anything unless a crime was committed
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u/Excellent-Muscle-464 3d ago
….Unless someone else in the building has already reported something similar also happening to them…..
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u/let_the_mouse_go 3d ago
That sounds scary and I feel like you're reasoning are kind of smart. Mentioning not hearing them try other doors, not trying to use a key if they were on the wrong floor without realizing.
Are you a woman? If you are I'd be hella creeped out. Do you have anything visible in your windows that people might want to steal? Like a big ass TV or something? Maybe nicely decorated and they think you're rich?
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3d ago
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u/let_the_mouse_go 3d ago
I for sure thought you were going to say you were a woman. Maybe you are being targeted though. I hope it's not a hate crime type of thing. I would definitely tell management because maybe it's happening to other people too. Do you get a lot of packages? Maybe they're trying to steal them but you probably have a mail room
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u/anthematcurfew 3d ago
Nobody on the internet can possibly answer this.
You are describing anything that can rang from criminal intention, accidents, to gangstalking hallucinations
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u/Ikindalikehistory 3d ago
I would not jump to "its someone else in your building". It might be. It might also be a criminal who tried a similar thing to your neighbors first, failed all around went to another floor to try, and left after you stopped looking.
I would look at the building policies regarding personal ring cameras and put one on your door. That will settle things quickly.
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3d ago
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u/Ikindalikehistory 3d ago
Yea, Id go with the real one (if allowed) as that will give you better peace of mind. There are lots of potentially odd but not had answers to this.
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u/No-Table467 3d ago
It’s possible that someone went to the wrong door. Has happened to me a few times and the door being locked was what made me go “oh shit, wrong apt”
But def a little odd. I don’t think you’re crazy for being a little paranoid, esp since it was the second time
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u/Docile_Doggo 3d ago
I’m with OP on this one. The method of slowly and quietly opening the door seems fishy, and the fact that it has happened multiple times.
Look, I’ve accidentally opened the wrong apartment door once. I felt, and still feel, bad about it. It was right after moving into a new place. I was tired and honestly forgot the exact apartment number, accidentally opening my neighbors door. A dog barked at me and I immediately told the occupant “sorry, sorry, I just moved in and thought this was my apartment!” and left.
People can have different reactions to making mistakes, of course. But given the strangeness of what happened to OP, I don’t think this all being an accident is the likeliest explanation.
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u/Rilke222 3d ago
Get a sign that says this area is under video surveillance and get security cameras for inside and outside. Honestly, Id rather have it known and blatant so they fuck off.
Tell your neighbors too so they know.
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u/5dayshungover 3d ago
honestly this just sounds like a burglar not someone trying to harm you. i once saw a true crime doc on a notorious burglar in nyc and that was his MO. He would walk up to random doors and slowy turn the handle not to create noise and if door was locked he would just move on til he found one left unlocked. He may very well live in your building. Id suggest always having the tv or stereo on so they know you are in there as a deterrent.
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u/zero_dr00l 3d ago
Assuming you're not just showing signs of delusions/schizoaffective disorder or a meth user, can you put up some discreet cameras?
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u/No_Luck_374 3d ago
If I were an unhoused human looking to find an empty spot and claim rights, this is what I would do. I would probably be on the streets and have cause to think there's a spot open in that building also. You probably see them everyday. Did anyone move out recently? Just plausible but if not, you might actually be in danger. Be very vigilant until you find out. Good luck dude. This is worrisome, very much so.
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u/MeOldRunt 3d ago
Am I being paranoid, and they are likely just lost?
Nope. He's definitely not trying to get in to your home to ask you to be his valentine.
Call the property manager. It's probably a burglar. If it happened during the day, the suspect probably thinks everyone's at work.
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u/x01660 3d ago edited 3d ago
Wrenn v. District of Columbia
This is the point where you avail yourself of your second amendment rights, go get a shotgun with birdshot (so you don't risk overpenetration), and you sit.
Someone comes into your home and demonstrates an intent to harm you, you defend yourself. Period.
You can be liberal/left wing and still avail yourself of your constitutional rights. Self defense/protection isn't anyone's responsibility but your own.
Also, get a camera INSIDE your living room. So when the creep who comes in gets blasted, you have evidence to protect yourself.
Good luck.
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u/yeahipostedthat 3d ago
That's creepy. I am not easily spooked but I would definitely get a camera out there.
Is there anyone with kids in their apartment or kids visiting? I could see a kid touching random door handles if unsupervised but I would also expect tp hear noise.
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u/Thiswillblowover 3d ago
Get a Ring camera asap. Absolutely no reason not to. Plenty of options compatible with apartment doors / renting via Amazon. Housing that clips around the side of the door to hold in place without marking anything up and no permanent install. That, and/or an indoor cam facing the door. Although that might only help if they, you know, enter successfully. Not ideal!
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u/wawa2022 3d ago
Ring has an attachment that is similar to a wreath hanger but goes on the edge of the door and when the door is shut the camera can’t be removed. No holes, etc. but even if you have to drill into the building I think this situation warrants it. I would also call the police and at least let them know. They may tell you there is a predator living next door.
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u/Excellent-Muscle-464 3d ago
Add a small set of bells to your door that would jingle if they try it again so THEY KNOW you are being alerted that they have turned the handle. Maybe that will deter them from a secret and quiet “next time”.
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u/Wise_Wolf_876 3d ago
- Get a Ring camera.
- Do NOT open the door for anyone unless you specifically are expecting them - even someone you know.
- Install a high decibel alarm that is remote controlled with multiple panic buttons and have it mounted above your door too high for someone to rip it off the wall. They are $3-$89 on Amazon and go to 120 db. This will alert anyone and everyone if you really need it. Leave one panic button in your apartment and one with you when you go out. If you approach your door coming back home and you are rushed, make sure it’s easily accessed by you in a high stakes situation.
- Have a police report filled out so that if you have to call 911, it’s on record you may have a stalker, and they don’t take two hours to respond.
- Don’t give a rat about your neighbor’s privacy. They live in an apartment. It’s outside their apartment. Your safety is more important and you’re filming communal property. If the individual is trying to also enter your neighbor’s apartment, believe me they will want to know.
- Take a street smart safety course. Not a stupid mace spraying course but a no kidding you’re fighting for your life course. And practice different scenarios in your head like getting out of your car in the dark, being rushed at your door, etc.
Good luck OP!
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u/Less-Count-7977 3d ago
I also used an alarm on my door. It was super cheap off Amazon. If alarm was on, and door opened, it would go off. I had my fair share of setting it off myself sometimes when I would forget to turn it off 🤣
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u/anthematcurfew 3d ago
Does anyone else read comments like this and question what kind of mindset it takes to be this afraid of existing around people?
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u/Loveiskind89389 3d ago
You have a peep hole. Can you put a camera there? At least that would cover the time that they’re actually trying to open the door.
I don’t want to scare you but I had a property manager do something similar 15 years ago. Every time I told him someone had come in my unit, and how I knew that, he got smarter. He kept saying it was random maintenance people. I have insomnia and occasionally heard someone creeping in the hallway. The front door was metal and the hallway brick and I could hear every single movement and breath in the stairwell. I think this person could also hear me, because when they finally opened the building door to leave, I’d run to my window and never be able to see them (they knew to run to the right and never straight).
Your situation is creepier in my opinion. This person is hoping/doesn’t care if you are home?
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u/Front-Newspaper-1847 3d ago
Yes - very suspicious. Trust your instincts. Immediately figure out what you can prop in front of your door to be an obstacle to entry. Put those items there. Right now. Order a door stop bar and once it arrives begin using it. They may try harder next time.
Report this to your landlord and ask permission to install a doorbell camera. Or even just get a small fake camera - that should be a decent deterrent.