msbtastic
Shy Member
Posts: 22 
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Post by msbtastic on May 5, 2017 2:11:07 GMT
So, I need advice and many that I attempt to ask dismiss my concerns or think I'm crazy.
The story-I live in a condo. In the beginning of February, someone clicked a pen outside my house. My son was asleep, I made nothing of it, though I absolutely hate noises. For the next week, at around 11 each night, they would click something that sounded like a pen very loudly. Then they started jiggling the front door to the point of leaving the doorknob hanging, moving patio chairs, knocking on windows and scratching the siding. It would go on from about 11 to 5 in the morning. After a week of it, I started to call the police. I was getting little to no sleep. I was crazy freaked out. After my second week of police calls, they woke my son up in the middle of the night and asked it I was schizophrenic or had other mental issues. The cop was extremely rude and abrasive. The cops didn't believe me because no one was there when they came. I stopped calling them.
I called my landlord and they talked to the neighbor. I'd gotten a camera and put in a tree in front of my house. A man would come from the side of one of my neighbor's and walked around to the other side of my apartment. The noise stopped for about a week as well as messing with the front of the house. It started back up again after a week or so. It is now May and I can't handle it anymore. No one is ever around when we go outside, they seem to know when I call the police. I don't have neighbors above me, but I have an attic.
This last week has been one of the worst. Last night the person was peeping in my blinds in the open slices. They have also been breathing very hard- in a creepy kind of way and shining light through the gaps in the blinds.. They also do something that smells like pee and chemicals. I can smell body odor through my vents when no one else is home, farting as well. I have no idea why I am able to hear it all so well or smell well enough that it makes me dizzy and effects my sinuses (the chemical smell). The police told me last night (I had to call after the window peeping and serial killer breathing) that they can only do something if I have visual proof to show them. Cameras to use in a rental condo are hundreds of dollars. And I also don't have money to move. I only pay $650 for a 2 bedroom in a good neighborhood with a good school. I'm a teacher and only parent.
So- any ideas on how to stop it? Where it could be come from when I can't hear the neighbor unless they play really loud music or something? Have you ever heard of something like this happening? Do you have inexpensive camera ideas? I'd really appreciate anything! Heck, if you have ideas on ways to ignore it, I'll take that too.
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Post by AN on May 5, 2017 2:18:54 GMT
What in the ACTUAL fuck? Excuse my language, but holllllllyyyyy shit this is terrifying.
I'd go buy the beefiest, best camera system I could from Costco or Walmart or somewhere with a great return policy. I generally don't support taking advantage of return policies, but it's clear that money is what is standing in the way here, the cops are INSANELY unhelpful (like WTFFFF???), and your physical safety is at serious risk.
Get those cameras up. Return them after you catch this creep. Also, I'd likely be seeing if someone could come stay the night with me - any friends, family, coworkers, whatever??? Anyone you trust?
This is crazy as hell, and do not let the cops make you think you're crazy or over-reacting. I'm pissed on your behalf that they aren't taking it seriously. This is seriously a life or death issue.
You need to be making plans to move. Whatever it takes, if you have to sell all your furniture and use milk crates for awhile, I'm not kidding. Even if they catch this guy, restraining orders pretty much do nothing until something bad happens. You have to get him caught and then you have to GTFO of there.
I'm SO sorry. I can't believe how long this has been going on. I'm so so so sorry. Have you quadruple-checked your attic to ensure there is no way in or out? You need physical barricades for your doors too, locks only keep out the unmotivated.
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Post by k8smom on May 5, 2017 2:22:05 GMT
That is super scary! It sounds like you are being stalked / targeted. I would get more cameras and continue to report it!
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Post by compeateropeator on May 5, 2017 2:22:40 GMT
I am sorry that this is happening. It sounds very traumatizing. Do you have a game camera that you can place/hide out by your patio somewhere? Those are pretty cheap. If you could get pictures with a time stamp even just showing that there was a person you might have a better case to get aid from the police. Do you have any issues with any of your neighbors? Sorry I have no real advice for you.  |
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Post by 950nancy on May 5, 2017 2:24:22 GMT
Do you know someone that can wait quietly outside in the evening and see what happens? I would have them film it.
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Post by freecharlie on May 5, 2017 2:25:03 GMT
Do you have a friend who would be willing to sit outside and watch it or watch from your attic?
Could you hire a private investigator?
Could you rent a camera?
Park in front of the condo with a dash cam?
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Post by AN on May 5, 2017 2:27:02 GMT
Another thought (I will not be able to stop thinking about this story) - getting someone to stay overnight with you will verify this so actually happening. I would suggest getting a full physical too, if you're the only one who has experienced this. Tumors and hormonal issues and wonky stuff can manifest in hearing or smelling things. I totally believe you, but if you can't get someone else to stay and experience these things too, you really don't have a way of knowing 100% it isn't something physical. The cops reacting in the way they have is a matter of concern to me, and I'd do whatever I needed to to verify it was being experienced the same by another adult. Obviously you don't want to involve your son in this too much.
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happymomma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,078
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Post by happymomma on May 5, 2017 2:28:13 GMT
I think I'd invest in a trail cam and put it up in the area you believe this creep is prowling around in.
Who do you think it is?
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suzastampin
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Post by suzastampin on May 5, 2017 2:29:02 GMT
Can you install motion activated lights? I'm not sure what grade you teach, but is there any chance it could be one or more of your students?
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freebird
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Post by freebird on May 5, 2017 2:36:02 GMT
pepper spray out the blinds.
Razor blades on the door handle.
An app on your phone that sounds like your cocking a gun.
They'll get the hint.
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Post by cindyupnorth on May 5, 2017 2:36:21 GMT
How in the world are you hearing a PEN click outside your apt? or breathing? are you sure there isn't an animal living in your attic? or under the condo? the whole thing seems....odd.
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Post by kels99 on May 5, 2017 2:38:46 GMT
Could it be an animal? Maybe a raccoon?
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Deleted
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Jun 1, 2024 17:46:14 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2017 2:40:37 GMT
I wonder if the perp can hear you calling 911 and leaves as soon as that happens? It is extremely worrisome that his activities are escalating in frequency and weirdness. I'd be asking to speak to someone higher ranking at the police department about having your concerns taken more seriously. You have not only your own safety to worry about, but also your son's. Demand that make extra patrols in the neighborhood. Can you also speak to your neighbors across the way about what's happening and ask them to keep an eye out?
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freebird
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Post by freebird on May 5, 2017 2:41:51 GMT
I wonder if the perp can hear you calling 911 and leaves as soon as that happens? It is extremely worrisome that his activities are escalating in frequency and weirdness. I'd be asking to speak to someone higher ranking at the police department about having your concerns taken more seriously. You have not only your own safety to worry about, but also your son's. Demand that make extra patrols in the neighborhood. Can you also speak to your neighbors across the way about what's happening and ask them to keep an eye out? Many departments you can text 911 now! I was thinking the same thing. If you can hear him breathing, he can definitely hear you making a phone call. |
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Peamac
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Post by Peamac on May 5, 2017 2:47:27 GMT
How creepy!
I'd get a friend (big, strong, and burly) to come over and check out the attic, basement, and everything in between to see if there's someone else's stuff (or traces of someone else).
Can you find a gun shot sound (on your phone or laptop) that you can play when you sense someone outside? Maybe that would scare him off?
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tincin
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Jul 25, 2014 4:55:32 GMT
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Post by tincin on May 5, 2017 2:56:54 GMT
I agree with AN, get someone to spend the night and they can verify to the police that they are also hearing these noises. That will help with that aspect of the issue. I understand you don't want to move but quite honestly, I would get the heck out of there. It cannot be relaxing to live in that apartment, with the constant worry that this person may show up and terrorize you. Reconsider your decision to not move. If nothing else, consider relocating within the same complex.
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Post by chaosisapony on May 5, 2017 3:01:44 GMT
This is super scary!
If you have any friends that would be willing I'd ask a group of them to hang out outside, hidden, overnight and see if they can catch this guy. Also, get an inexpensive trail camera and some motion activated lights. Have you notified your landlord? They might be willing to help with the costs associated with beefing up security in a condo complex.
I live in a condo and have loud neighbors but even with my paper thin walls and non existent sound proofing I'd never heard someone click a pen or breathe. That's weird.
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Post by mrssmith on May 5, 2017 3:06:37 GMT
Maybe put out some motion sensing lights? The smell and scratching also made me think of raccoons. A man would come from the side of one of my neighbor's and walked around to the other side of my apartment. Is this what you saw on camera?? Did you recognize the man? Did the neighbor recognize the man? Do they neighbors notice anything suspicious? This is super creepy. I was just scanning amazon and there are some less expensive camera options. |
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Post by AN on May 5, 2017 3:06:53 GMT
Do not set booby traps. You can end up in legal trouble.
I would not recommend making gun noises. Do not escalate with someone who is clearly already unstable and escalating themselves.
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on May 5, 2017 3:07:46 GMT
So you have a camera outside and saw him walk from your neighbor's to your apt? That wasn't enough for the police to believe you? Is that the only time you've caught him on camera? Cameras are not that much at Costco so maybe you could get more.
When he shines a light through the blinds did you try taking a photo with your phone? This is all just so bizarre.
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kate
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on May 5, 2017 3:19:30 GMT
If the police aren't helping, I would think about hiring a PI. This sounds so terrifying. I will be praying for your safety until this guy is caught.
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happymomma
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Post by happymomma on May 5, 2017 3:21:21 GMT
Is there ANY way it could be a bear?
I've always heard that you will smell a bear before you see it, as they have a strong odor to them.
I could also see a bear destroying the doorknob. Not that he'd know to use a doorknob to get in, obviously, but that if he grabbed it I could see them nearly tearing it out.
The heavy breathing, well, that could fit too.
The clicking you heard could be him pawing at the siding, as you did mention it was marred.
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rodeomom
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Post by rodeomom on May 5, 2017 3:35:25 GMT
Write everything down. Write down what happens and what time. Kind of like a log book. Also I agree about getting someone to stay with you. But if someone is watching you they may not do any thing with them there. Are you sure that no one can get in the attic? We lived in a duplex and you could get into the other side from the attic.
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Deleted
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Jun 1, 2024 17:46:14 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2017 3:37:41 GMT
You can sprinkle powder on your windowsills and around you house.
Solar motion activated lights are about $15 and work really well. I have one on the chicken coop.
Those motion activated frogs and barking dog toys are cheap and really hard to get around.
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Post by elaine on May 5, 2017 3:47:16 GMT
link to Security Camera System - $129
ETA: I agree with others about getting a full physical workup. The smelling things and the degree to which the smells are affecting you is somewhat troubling and can be a symptom of a variety of disorders.
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Deleted
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Jun 1, 2024 17:46:14 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2017 4:05:37 GMT
You said you live in a condo; is there a condo association? Have you spoken with them? There may be something they can do.
You definitely need to enlist the aid of another. A third person who can attest to the sounds, movements, etc. Then it is not just your word.
I understand the money aspect, having been a single parent myself, but nothing would stand in the way of protecting my child, not to mention myself. There must be something you can afford; friend, family, church, work associates who would help.
You actually saw a face peeping in your blinds? Grab the camera and start taking pictures. Use a no-flash setting so you don't get shine off the window.
Can you borrow someones LARGE dog for a short time? One you can let out the door when you hear these noises?
Have you escalated your concerns and fears to the PD? Work your way up the ladder from the beat cop. Take it to the top.
Just some ideas off the top of my mind.
ETA: I understand it may not be your thing, but I would be arming myself if I thought someone was trespassing around my house at night. Take an approved gun course and learn how to protect yourself. At this point, if it is a human, they are doing this because they can. It's up to you to take a stand and put a stop to it.
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Post by Lexica on May 5, 2017 4:16:10 GMT
Write everything down. Write down what happens and what time. Kind of like a log book. Also I agree about getting someone to stay with you. But if someone is watching you they may not do any thing with them there. Are you sure that no one can get in the attic? We lived in a duplex and you could get into the other side from the attic. This (bolded) is what I am wondering. I watched one of those shows where a young person was murdered and they couldn't figure out how the perpetrator got in because the door was bolted shut from the inside and the windows were not open. They finally figured out that it was the guy next door. He had climbed up into the opening through one of the closets in his apartment and crawled along to see where it led to. He came to another opening and dropped down into it. It was his next door neighbor's apartment. She was asleep and he took it from there. The police figured it out after discovering bits of insulation on her bed and the carpeting in her closet. This is a terrifying situation and I don't blame you for being so upset. I know I would be! Can you use your phone's video to record the noises and lights through the blinds? I would record anything I could on my phone until I could go purchase a set of cameras at Costco as AN recommended. SaveSave |
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StephDRebel
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Post by StephDRebel on May 5, 2017 4:50:49 GMT
What happened to the camera you put in the tree? Can't you move it? I would have a gun under my pillow.
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Post by mlynn on May 5, 2017 5:06:16 GMT
Could tey ave put a listenin device in your ome?
Could it be a previous tenant?
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craftykitten
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Post by craftykitten on May 5, 2017 5:14:46 GMT
Why did it take you a week to call the police in the beginning?
Does you son hear the noises or see any of this?
Something seems off about this.
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