I was working from home earlier and had my main door open, but the glass screen door was closed to let in sunlight. A man walked up quickly like he was going to knock but stopped when he saw me. I said hello through the glass, and he seemed like a salesman, but he wasn’t wearing any company clothing and just had a cheap spiral notebook.
He started with, “Hey buddy! I take it you aren’t the king of this castle?” in a really condescending tone. I replied, “What? I rent this place.” He then said, “Oh, well I’ll come back when Mommy and Daddy are home.” Annoyed, I told him to get off my property. He stepped closer like he wanted to fight, then walked away, glaring at me and saying, “Don’t let me catch you when you’re not on your property.”
He didn’t go to any of my neighbors’ doors, which felt odd for someone claiming to be a solicitor. I reported him to the non-emergency line. Do you think he was scoping out my place for something shady?
You shouldn’t share any personal information, like the fact that you rent. Just tell them to leave immediately. If someone gives you a bad vibe, shut the door and call the police with a detailed description of the person—height, weight, hair color, clothes, everything.
It’s also worth letting your landlord know about the incident. Make sure your place is secure with good locks, deadbolts, and maybe motion lights.
Saul said: @Erin
Why avoid a deadbolt with a thumb turn on the inside? Just use a keyed lock?
Deadbolts without a thumb turn are better for doors with windows or glass sidelights. It prevents someone from breaking the glass and unlocking the door from the inside.
Anyone saying “yes” or “no” is just guessing. The real question isn’t whether he was casing your place, but what steps you should take to be prepared in case he was.
Haven said:
Anyone saying “yes” or “no” is just guessing. The real question isn’t whether he was casing your place, but what steps you should take to be prepared in case he was.
Put up ‘No Soliciting’ signs on your door and yard. If someone still approaches, either don’t answer or call the police. You could also get driveway or walkway sensors that alert you when someone approaches. They’re not hard to install and work well.
Haven said:
Anyone saying “yes” or “no” is just guessing. The real question isn’t whether he was casing your place, but what steps you should take to be prepared in case he was.
Focus on the basics: cameras, lights, locks, and insurance. Let cameras and locks deter or document intrusions, and insurance covers anything else. Personal defense tools are for protecting people, not just property.
Kimberly said:
You handled it perfectly, in my opinion.
Agreed. You stood your ground. For the future, consider adding layers of security like cameras, sensors, or personal protection. Bad situations can happen, so it’s best to stay prepared.
He could’ve been a canvasser checking to see if you were a good lead for a salesperson. But the fact that he didn’t announce a company or leave any material makes me suspicious. Watch for random white vans or SUVs in the area.
Andrew said:
This definitely sounds like casing. Salespeople usually expect hostility and don’t escalate like this guy did. Time to set up some cameras.
I installed a Blink camera earlier. Now I’m just keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious nearby. I hate feeling this paranoid.
If someone is disrespectful or threatening, you should call the police and have them officially trespassed. This makes it illegal for them to return, and they can be arrested if they do. Also, consider getting a doorbell camera or security cameras and a ‘No Soliciting’ sign to deter people like this.
He might’ve been casing your place. I usually keep some personal protection nearby in case of incidents like this. Most professional salespeople wouldn’t act the way this guy did.