For sure. He had malicious attentions from the moment you felt it inwardly it’s also called red flags.
Learn to never deny your instinct and discernment, it’s a gift wired in to help you protect yourself. This could be the difference between life or death.
DO NOT GIVE ANYONE EVER the benefit of the doubt. Especially strangers, this creep invaded your personal space. He picked you. Say something to the staff report him. Also this book
The Gift of Fear and Other Survival Signals that Protect Us From Violence https://www.amazon.com/dp/0440508835/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9nktCb4FAKCV9
Please read it! Seriously you are young and need to learn this. Everyone should! This stuff should be taught in schools. If I had half the skills taught in it, it would have saved me a lot of headaches over the years.
Few things to consider:
Just a few things off the top. Chin up. Be proactive & stay safe! :)
You need to get a door security bar. Even if they manage to get the door unlocked that's not going to let them get the door open without a hell of a lot of noise and effort. Most importantly though it buys you a lot more time. I live in a really nice part of town, but I always have that on my door after 5PM. You could also get 2 so if they make it in you can use it on an interior door to buy more time until police arrive. You should be able to find them at Walmart for cheap as well.
Amazon has solar street lights for under $50. They have motion detectors and remote controls and are super bright when on full. They are easy to install too. solar street lights
If you're curious, you can get your DNA tested and find your biological family to make sure they did in fact have you adopted. I referred an adopted former co-worker of mine, and she found her birth family in just a few weeks: https://www.23andme.com/
My sociology professor was actually in Children of God/The Family and escaped. She shared her story in Heaven’s Harlots: My Fifteen Years in a Sex Cult by Miriam Williams. I thought it was fascinating, especially because she was involved during its heyday.
Was your Mac set up so that you need to enter a password each time you wake it? If not, you may still be sighing too soon. This person used your computer and you don’t know what he did.
First, do this right now: In the “Utilities” folder, open “Console”. In the search field, type “wake reason”. You’ll see a list of times that the Mac has woken up recently. If one of them was while your family was out of the house, that’s when the intruder started using your Mac. That info might be useful for the police, so take a screenshot before the log expires.
Next, follow the rest of the steps on MakeUseOf’s “Who’s been using your Mac?”. In particular, if “Recent Items” (step 2) contains any app that you don’t recognize — or if your webcam’s green light ever comes on unexpectedly — the intruder may have installed spying software and it’s not safe to keep using it. Reinstall everything, or take the Mac to an expert who can.
Finally, follow Apple’s instructions on dealing with a compromised Apple ID.
Yikes! Consider getting yourself one of these for your apartment door -- that way, even if he somehow gets a key for it, he still can't get in while you're home.
Addalock - (1 Piece) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00186URTY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XYAIBb981T9RE
This is an extra lock you can put on almost any door for extra security. Even if someone has a key & unlocks the door itself, they will still be unable to open the door. I recently got one for my apartment & I read a review of a woman who used this & it ended up saving her. Two apartment mx workers came into her apartment while she happened to be getting out of the shower & was naked. They apologized & left as she was shouting at them to leave. She bought one of these immediately. Later, one of those same guys tried coming in. She was yelling at him through the door & he said he was just trying to apologize again.
I remember when this happened, it was pretty big news in Texas because it was a kid.
Newspaper Article - Victoria Advocate http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YWhTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oIUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6977%2C1701175
Online Articles - Amarillo Globe http://amarillo.com/stories/070800/tex_LD0661.shtml
I've become quite paranoid after making sure I only read the creepy reddit stories, I love them too much but I digress....But I actually bought a whistle to keep handy when I'm out by myself. I call it a murder whistle jokingly but I hope I never have to use it. It comes with two so I gave the second to my close friend who lives by herself. Emergency whistle in case you decide it would be handy, it hooks on your key chain and it won't rust. And I've been given serious flack about this, which is fucked up, but if you have an iPhone just share your location with someone you're close to who cares about your well being. Better safe than sorry! FYI I live in downtown Seattle and am a 31/F who likes to think she is tough.
I know I’m true millionth commenter but I do feel like I have something to add.
I also live in the desert Southwest.
I got very affordable curtains on Amazon and I like them a lot. They also a lot to keep the heat out of the house. I like them so much I’ve bought more for different rooms. Here’s the ones I got: Deconovo Greyish White Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains Grommet Curtains with Silver Coating for French Doors 52 By 84 Inch 2 Panels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CG80R4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_F8MhBbMN708B7
Also, while I am sure that your instincts are correct, i just wanna let you Know that there are a lot of people on drugs out there. They’re creepy, almost zombie like. And since they’re kind of creepy around your house, they may just be seeing if you have anything they can steal and trying to figure out how often you’re home. If you’re not home much, they would be trying to find that out so they could steal your stuff without having to encounter you. It’s not a lot less scary but I figured I’d throw that out there.
Anyway I know you said you don’t have a ton of money right now so I hope the curtains help. If not, you can also get dollar store shower curtains in the meantime and hang them up with thumbtacks. That’s honestly the cheapest way to cover the windows quickly.
The neighborhood watch is a really good idea. If ur able to talk with the people that live directly by you, next door, across the hall, and let them know what has happened, possibly exchange numbers so you have people right by you to call if u get spooked. Maybe some can even step outside their apartment when you get home from work and wait till you get inside.
Also there are many different products like this doorjam hopefully I did the link correctly 1st time I’ve done one but that might help you feel little more secure. This is just an example I haven’t researched them so don’t know which ones are most effective.
Weird situation. I would think if people wanted to break in or do something else they wouldn’t draw so much attention to themselves beforehand but who knows. Glad your husband got some time off to stay with you. Sorry u have to deal with this idiot. I hope it stops and things get better for you guys, be safe.
OH MY GOD, so this is still happening?, If there is an option to do so maybe move away from where you currently are and change your phone number/mobile number?.
I was just catching upon my LNM posts and read your first one, Hoped that you'd update it and by the time I had gone through the backlog and you had.
The guy seems to have some kind of mental problem, maybe psychotic or something, How saw you once at the supermarket in the chocolate aisle and started stalking you..that's terribly creepy...and from what he is saying it's like he has some kind of Schizophrenia? Obviously in his mind you are a couple, And he has done nothing wrong, It's possible he could even try to rape you D:
Besides the advice of moving away/changing you number a few more suggestions would be maybe buying a small home security system, point it at your driveway so it also catches the cars driving by as well, If he trys to pull into your driveway it would catch his numberplate, if he does drive by multiple times that just more evidence (with timestamps) you could show to the police to prove he really IS doing what you say to them he does.
One other rather weak idea is maybe go to a shelter and adopt a large dog that you connect with, pets are a lot of work (and awesome friends!) but said dog could be extra security (also a deterrent) if creepy guy see's you leaving the house with a big dog at your side but that is only if you connect with said dog and are ready for a pet...so a weak idea, but still one you could think about.
You really don't need to be a prisoner in your own home because of this awful creep.
Edit: you mentioned last time uploading the audio files of his voice-mails, Perhaps you could play them out-loud on your machine and record them with your phone as audio-clips then upload them here: https://soundcloud.com/ it's free registration and I see alot of people on reddit using it for audio clips.
I'd highly advise borrowing one, at least until you can get a handgun. I don't know about your local gun laws or financials, but based on how tricky it can be to get ahold of a pistol, I'd also suggest you look into getting pepper spray. A friend of mine is 5' 3", somewhere around 115 pounds, and very young-looking despite being old enough to concealed carry. However, she lives in a college dorm at the moment, so she's resorted to carrying a Kimber Pepperblaster II in wake of her usual handgun. It's two-shot, direct, and even has a small handle and sights for better accuracy. If that doesn't seem like your cup of tea, though, I'm sure someone at your local gun store can tell you a lot more about alternative self-defense options than I can.
There were so many red flags in this situation that she missed. This was a wake up call and a valuable lesson for her; thank goodness she is okay.
I have a book to recommend that she read. I asked my kids (adults now) to read it when they were younger, and frankly, I can recommend it highly to anyone and everyone. It's called "The Gift of Fear and Other Survival Signals that Protect Us From Violence" by Gavin De Becker. The book teaches you how to identify even subtle signs of danger, and how to trust your gut instincts.
Firstly print screen EVERYTHING he has messaged to your friend and make sure you give them all to the police, the dates will give a decent time frame for hjow long this has been happening.
Next your friend should really lock down her facebook page Lockdown FB Link He's probably using another account to access her statuses and if she goes through everything and limits iher info to immediate friends only (never friends of friends) then that could help too.
If he starts banging on the door again then use your phone to film him banging if you have a phone that can do that and shout that you are recording him; and that the police are on their way. I believe if you dont inform him that you're recording evidence then it might not stand if it goes to trial.
It's a shitty situation to be in but I think you will all get through it.
That's emotional blackmail girlfriend.
Read that link, and then read everything else on that site.
You were not leading him on. He was leading you on. He was leading you on with lies about cutting, with declarations you were his only friend, with manipulation, wheedling, whining, putting himself first before you, and all his other blackmailing antics.
Does he need help? Absolutely. Are you a trained adult mental health professional? Fuck no. Does he know that? Of course he did.
Like you said, he was a lying, manipulative, using jerk. He can be that and still be in need of mental health services. One of these things does not make the other any less true.
Good on you for blocking, getting out, telling friends, and telling your story here.
Needy, manipulative, users will use good people against themselves. That is not the good person's fault.
Get on Amazon, order this book, and read it cover to cover. As a good person and a girl, it can save your life. Even if your future is with other girls. It has saved mine.
Now that you have this experience, you have a set of warning signs and red flags to look for in the future. And you will not tolerate emotional blackmail ever again.
I hate to say it, but the old guy's response tells me he could be your culprit. I personally would be getting a hidden camera detector. I looked for a link on Amazon and there is the same photo with the same model number being used as if it's made by dozens of different companies that are all around $13-16 and rated 3-4 stars and then there is this one for $195 and other models going for up to a thousand dollars. This is not an affiliate link:
If you can spare about $20, something like this door security bar would be more effective than a chair. Be safe!
Your story reminds me of the 1981 sightings of the entity that was to become known as the Mineral Point Vampire.
Here is a link to original newspaper article about the incident.
I found the original news clipping:
Okay, honestly I was trying to find a picture of him to see if he is hot. Don't judge me.
Most likely coincidence.
It's certainly **POSSIBLE** that he was abusing his position at an ISP to spy on your internet activity, but it's fairly unlikely. He'd definitely need to be a technically oriented sort of person, and in a job at the ISP where he'd have high level access to the servers.
If you're worried about your ISP spying on you then you can always try using a VPN. I use Private Internet Access, because it's cheap and does the job, there are others. Do not ever use a free VPN service, those are pretty much guaranteed to be run by advertisers or other shady types [1].
​
But I'd guess that your creepy neighbor started shunning you for a different reason than your search.
​
[1] There's a persistent rumor that many of the free VPN services are run by China's Ministry of State Security. I'm inclined to think that's BS, mainly because I assume that PRC is more interested in spying on their own people rather than random foreigners.
Wow, that's scary. Sorry you had to go through this. Quick tip for everyone: If you suspect a picture is fake, put it through Tineye or Google Image Search to see if they are real.
Follow up: I subscribe to the kinja deals blog thingy, and I thought of you today when I saw them publish a discount on a set of four solar motion lights sold through amazon with a coupon that brings the price down to $18
Coupon code: XNLCDGP3
I think you need prime to get the discount (the four pack is normally $94).
I removed the affiliate thing from the amazon link so that no one is benefiting from this but you.
Hope this helps
Change your phone's PIN and install something like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bloketech.lockwatch&hl=en
It will take a picture whenever someone enters the PIN incorrectly :)
Hey OP do you have a smart phone? I just came across this last night And if I didn't have a windows phone I would use it.
May I suggest you read a book called THE GIFT OF FEAR. It ,,ill explain how you saved yourself through intuition....when that voice inside you screams there is something not right and you listened to it rather than ignore it. Page after page are stories like yours ...explaining size the brain sees clues before you realise something has gone very wrong and it gives you the fight or flight reaction. Amazon or ebay has it for cheap. It helped me so much. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/gift-of-fear-gavin-de-becker/1100820299/2675477928560?st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Marketplace+Shopping+Professional_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP3586&k_clickid=3x3586
What in the world?? Omg, OP this is so creepy esp he followed u into your house. Is it possible that you carry a personal alarm keychain instead?
But, honestly, after reading this comment, I immediately thought, oh just bring a nicely sharpened pencil
Hey OP.
First, I'm damn glad you and your friend got away from the guy. That was frightening and lucky.
So, if you need to fight fire with fire, that's one option.
Fold them down, kind of a pain, but it's good to have options.
They have the ring doorbell for 139 and it comes with a free echo dot from amazon great deal! I live in an apartment and it works great! https://www.amazon.com/Ring-8VR1S7-0EU0-Video-Doorbell-2/dp/B072QLXK2T/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1543083305&sr=8-9-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ring+doorbell&psc=1
I would try to call that place and see who is the sender, if you have enough information to give then they would give it to also be truthful when they ask why your asking these information but its best to lie a little for the sake not being suspicious. Congratulations on finding those info! Maybe look at the card one more time?
It looks like a lot of good comments have already been posted, but as someone who has used Tumblr fairly extensively and had a variety of both positive and negative experiences, I want to throw in my advice here.
If something is posted to Tumblr on which you have a legitimate copyright claim (pictures of yourself would fall into this category) you can get it removed fairly quickly and easily by making a DMCA claim. I know from personal experience that Tumblr reacts quickly to DMCA claims and that accounts which have multiple violations are often banned.
Complaints about harassment and/or stalking on Tumblr will be ignored entirely however, so don't even waste your time. People have been doxxed and harassed on Tumblr to the point of suicide and the Tumblr staff has done nothing about it. In fact, in one case, the staff may have even been involved in the harassment. A well-known Tumblr user called the "Xkit Guy" was harassed off the site by a mob of Social Justice Warriors. A Lot of people suspect the staff encouraged or at least ignored the harassment because 'Xkit' was a browser extension that helped people block unwanted features on Tumblr.
As far as being able to customize your own blog and be creative, Tumblr is probably one of the best sites around. But when it comes to the enforcement of the rules and moderating user conduct... it's basically the wild west with porn, internet nerds, corrupt administrators and crazy foreign people. (But I guess on further reflection, that is really just a description of the internet itself, isn't it?)
If you ever feel worried about your identity online you can use this https://www.torproject.org/ and it will give you an IP address that a volunteer has offered for you to use. It would act as your browser and while you surf the web through it your identity will be pretty safe. Someone else can probably verify that it's safe to use. Also be wary of any links people drop you like this before confirming them as safe because it could be a scam to get your IP
Have you read ‘The Gift of Fear’? You definitely should. Basically: your instincts are picking up on something that our societal politeness is telling you to ignore. You’re probably dead on that there’s something off here.
Edit: here’s the Amazon link to make it easy - https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Fear-Survival-Signals-Violence/dp/0440226198[The Gift of Fear, on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Fear-Survival-Signals-Violence/dp/0440226198)
From what you've said above, you went with your instincts, and your instincts were right. You may not have had the language to articulate what was happening, but you could feel something was and you could acted on it when it made you uncomfortable. That is a life-saving reaction.
In case you've never heard of it, let me recommend a book called "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker. He is a security expert, and he travels to schools and colleges now talking especially to girls. He explains when and why to trust your instinct and how to keep yourself safe from predators. It's really eye-opening stuff, and much of it is very simple, we just need to hear it explained to recognise a lot of situations we've all been in.
This is a link to the book on Amazon, and it has a "Look Inside" option.
And this is a link to his website.
I recommend this to all women, especially young women, it can literally save lives. Frankly I'd be more comfortable getting this kind of information from a woman, but this is a very rare man, and I trust his advice a lot. If you get something from it, talk to your friends about it, we need to spread this kind of education widely.
Good luck. And bless that 13-y-o girl still inside you—she kept you safe, even when she didn't fully understand what was happening. That's praise-worthy.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/gypsy-cab
It doesn't refer to a person. I suppose semantically you could argue it is a pejorative so it is racist, but 'Roma cabs' or 'Romani cabs' are not terms anyone would ever recognize.
I highly recommend Tor Browser for when you don't want someone to track you down. I use it when I research pentesting methods that I don't particularly want Google and/or NSA to know I'm searching for. People don't automagically know I only hack ethically, and tend assume the worst.
I am no opposed to this. This I've had saved in my Amazon wish list from a Reddit post years ago where the OP used it to nab the person who was stealing the Christmas presents off of his doorstep. Do you have any recommendations?
https://www.amazon.com/Taser-Self-Defense-Noonlight-Mobile-Integration/dp/B07JQ2DW97?ref_=Oct_MWishedForC_7824770011_0&pf_rd_r=GQ81MZYAS8ZN10796X4A&pf_rd_p=678a960e-b48b-5ae5-859a-f98981e5b25f&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=7824770011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Here you go. Next time you see someone approaching just zap them right away. Oh it's a harmless old lady? Nah don't think so. Fuck people.
Why don't you put something in the guidlines that authors who allow sharing/narrating etc should/could indicate it with creative commons?
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
It would be easy to indicate For example just put (CC) or (CC) (=) and so on
http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC1BJPV_old-airline-trail-2
I couldn't find this yesterday, but hey, here it is!
I don't see any comments about him. In hindsight, we probably should have commented ourselves at the time to warn people, but then again we were not necessarily thinking straight, being terrified out of our minds.
Wow! This is infuriating. I am already paranoid and I haven't even had a bad apartment experience yet (fingers crossed!).
There are these locks on Amazon that are an addition to the regular locks, something like this:
My landlords also use something like this on the backdoor:
Stay safe everyone!
One Way Mirror Window Film 30" Wide x 6.5 ft. Roll https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004S7HPJ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VMPbBbEQBGW1N ^ Amazon has more than just this one, but I got curious and searched so I figured I'd share it just in case you or anyone else still reading this thread were interested!
That is creepy and just odd. I would put up security cameras! We use night owl x 3.0 and its an okay system for the price, has pretty good night vision but its totally not top of the line lol. Here's a link for the set on amazon, I think bestbuy also has them.
https://www.amazon.com/8-Channel-Extreme-Infrared-Camera-Security/dp/B073WQYF1C
This is a good suggestion, I'd like to mention you can get apps for your phone that show you the censors of cameras.
I'd recommend this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hiddencamdetector.futureapps.com.hiddencamdetector
Its a phone name - not sure if i can link it but its pretty obscure. search on amazon for rugged smartphone and theres quite a variety to pick from. some of them can even be tougher than the old nokia bricks..believe me or not!
If you're on android, you might just want to install this app if not buying a new phone - theres no hard button you can squeeze while running, but its pretty close to the same functions.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sosmate&hl=en_GB
> I don't know about a restraining order. They've been known to make situations worse
yeah I read that oft times a restraining order sometimes will set off a violent reaction in a stalker. there's a good book about how to deal with those types of people it was called "The Gift of Fear".
https://www.amazon.com/Other-Survival-Signals-Protect-Violence/dp/0440508835
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bloketech.lockwatch&hl=en_GB there's this one called lockwatch for android
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prey-anti-theft-mobile-tracking-and-security/id456755037?mt=8 or this one for iphone
Because it looked like this except it was a knob not a handle. They use these in school classrooms?
Like this but it was a knob not a handle. They use these locks for security and classrooms? Have you not been to a school.
I use Vitamin D for webcam surveillance. It's free, and takes a few seconds of video when something moves. It has an option to say something like "motion detected, recording video" and sends the recordings to your email.
Same here. I have a kubaton on my keychain, an eight ball inside of dance tights, pepper spray, stun gun, Kbar knife whistle, neck knife, stun gun and (stun baton in my car.)
I only carry like half of that stuff with me for the most part. The rest I carry when I go hiking out alone. I'm a big girl and I can't run fast but you can bet your ass, you're going to have wishes you hadn't chosen me.
I also recommend reading The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker Lots of great info in there.
I thought the same thing. Looked him up on google and found this really sad post:
"Message Sent Tuesday, August 4 1:59 (Pacific Time) From: Zephyrhills, FL, US Area Code: 813 Zip Code: 33542
To: ... hi my name is george i have bin lookin for my dad since i have bin 8 and every time i ask about him my grand parents tell me he is in jail but i dont beleave it i use to live in long island but now i live in FL and im 17 my moms name is tammiy diaferio i wa born 5/30/1992 and i would do anny thing to talk to my dad so dad if u get this please wright back. George Paul Adams IV"
From this site: https://www.zabasearch.com/messages/zaba_messages_thread.php?fid=1032940
Look what i found.... How sad is this?
"Message Sent Tuesday, August 4 1:59 (Pacific Time) From: Zephyrhills, FL, US Area Code: 813 Zip Code: 33542
To: ... hi my name is george i have bin lookin for my dad since i have bin 8 and every time i ask about him my grand parents tell me he is in jail but i dont beleave it i use to live in long island but now i live in FL and im 17 my moms name is tammiy diaferio i wa born 5/30/1992 and i would do anny thing to talk to my dad so dad if u get this please wright back. George Paul Adams IV"
He posted this a year after the fiasco. Poor kid. I feel his pain.
https://www.zabasearch.com/messages/zaba_messages_thread.php?fid=1032940
I haven't seen any cameras that have built-in data yet. It would likely be a camera w/ USB that you can plug in a GSm/CDMA card. It probably wouldn't be cheap.
/u/Bearbbq 's idea of a mobile hotspot would work, but also use a good chunk of data.
But you can get video w/o internet. Get a wifi router, connect both your camera and the IP camera. Neither can talk to the internet, but they can talk to each other. So you can watch/record the camera from your phone. This will cut your phone off from the internet while you're on wifi, but that's probably ok in this case (you can still call/txt). I use "IP Cam Viewer Lite" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rcreations.ipcamviewer&hl=en) to view cams, it's very convenient. You can even have it make a sound when it detects motion.
A podcast about Hubbard's life and how he was a bit of a bastard.
You should definitely consider getting some pepper spray gel! it’s less likely to have blow-back from the wind and it sticks better. I have this one and it’s really helpful! https://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Escape-Pepper-Seatbelt-Breaker/dp/B07WM1DG2Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=sabre+pepper+gel&qid=1618881783&sprefix=sabre+p&sr=8-9
Snake Eye Tactical Dual Blade Bat Designed Action Assisted Folding Pocket Knife Outdoors Hunting Camping Fishing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YTMF3N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_ulHQFb5X74761?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 That’s the knife I have. Yeah I’m pretty sure no one does, but it still doesn’t give him the right to obsessively stalk someone he likes. This guy is a dirt bag and God forbid you run into him but if so hopefully you show him some girl power and show him not to fuck with you.
Yeah that would be pretty scary and it’d be awful in general to ever have to use any kind of violence towards someone. Also since it’s confirmed that pepper spray isn’t an option, there are plenty of alarms on Amazon like this one that are pretty cheap!
My uncles house is like Fort Knox. He uses these on all his doors. Quick easy cheap buy on amazon and no one will be able to open any of your doors.
TOYFUL 2 Pack Door Reinforcement Locks with 8 Screws, Home Security Door Lock for Toddler, Childproof Door Lock Night Lock Withstand 800 Lbs Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TSC29MW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1cziEbA270P5A
Just a note for anyone who might be able to use it: You can get a locking (exterior) doorknob from home depot for under $20, and all you need to install it is a screwdriver. It takes less than five minutes even if you aren't mechanically inclined. We had a nightmare 3-story townhouse with like fifty potential entrances so I replaced every doorknob in the place to make it harder to get in from the garage or main-floor sliding door. It was really fast. Also hd (or Lowe's) will rekey them for you if they're compatible with your other locks, so you can choose which keys to use with which locks.
Also there are more temporary things on Amazon like travel/hotel locks and door bars, if you don't want to risk getting in trouble w landlord. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YUX8I/ They are just less robust, I think, and take more vigilance.
OP, I highly recommend you get something to protect yourself like a stun gun. This is the one that I have. The little metal bands down the front are electrified too, if someone tried to grab it away from you. Even without having to use it, it makes a very frightening sound. It is a discreet size too and can hang on a belt loop without bringing too much attention to itself, but again, this thing is fierce.
If you're still looking for advice, you could get these vibration-triggered security window alarms. Not sure how sensitive these are, but you can probably find ones rated for creepers. Or you could get the type rated for animal training. You could also set up a hidden motion activated sprinkler to discourage the behavior. Leave the dude wet and frightened!
These techniques will also work on a naughty cat.
i'd also get a dashboard camera
and probably your own house camera. or just your mom staying home 1 day to catch/video the person from across the field after enticing them to video yall
see the guide on the sidebar.
oh, and maybe one of these (see comments for hacks also)
Your friend is in danger and needs security. Point blank.
Get a double bolted lock IMMEDIATELY. About $50 should do it, there are cheap locksmiths all over Brooklyn.
Wireless Window/Door Alarm- $16.10/each (I would get one for each window and the door.) http://www.amazon.com/GE-Personal-Security-Window-Alarm/dp/B00032CIJQ
Outdoor Security Camera: $39.99 http://tinyurl.com/h5lbmf2
I would do #1 & #2 first (about $100) - then as soon as possible get #3.
Your life is PRICELESS. If my friend was in that same situation and really strapped for cash, I would pay for it out of my own pocket. Heck you live in NYC (like me, lol), $150 is like 5 dinners she'll owe you. :)
Hey OP, my advice is grab your self a couple of these: http://www.amazon.com/Wansview-Wireless-Surveillance-Microphone-monitoring/dp/B003JLPWAK All you'll need is a way to power them and a computer to record with.
They're home security on a budget. Just be aware that you can't point them directly at your neighbours property. You can however cover any part of land that's on your property or immediately in front of it safely. Put up a sign that states CCTV is in use on your property, perhaps even a sign that trespassers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law (Which you are entitled to do). As for your dogs, keep an eye on them. Make sure that they don't eat strange food, especially anything around your property. Any areas your dogs go outside the property try to keep covered by cameras.
Once you have the cameras make it obvious you own a firearm. Don't do it threateningly, do so in a way to show that you will protect your self if you need to, the cameras act as an insurance policy against any false accusations they may make.
Show them that you mean business and that if they threaten or harass you in any way, including trespassing on your property you will absolutely protect your self, make it categorically clear that any threatening behaviour toward you will be reported to the police along with supporting evidence. Essentially make it crystal clear that you can make their life far worse than they can make yours, even if it's a bluff.
Hey, just thought I'd give you this link. This is a legal self-defense spray in the UK, the equivalent of mace or pepper spray in the UK. Next time, douse that prick and make him scream
If you're moving soon, I would recommend this. Battery powered, powerful, and hangs by 3 small screws, so it's easy to take with you.
I can't decide if you would find this book entertaining, or if it would make you feel worse!