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uk Personal safety & immediate danger

What to do if…
someone follows you to an elevator and you feel unsafe getting in with them

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Do not get into the lift with them. Step away from the doors and move towards a staffed, public, or more visible place such as reception, a concierge desk, security, a shop, or the street.

Do not do these things

  • Do not let politeness override feeling unsafe.
  • Do not use your body to block the lift doors.
  • Do not get into the lift just to avoid awkwardness.
  • Do not hold the doors open while you decide.
  • Do not go to your home floor, flat door, or a quiet corridor while you still feel unsafe.
  • Do not take out keys, an access fob, or anything that shows where you live unless you need it to leave safely.
  • Do not walk deeper into the building if that takes you away from people, exits, or staffed areas.

What to do now

  1. Create separation from the lift. Stay outside the lift car, step back from the doors, and let the lift go without you.
  2. Move towards people and visibility. Go to reception, a concierge desk, a security desk, a staffed shop or café, the building entrance, or the street.
  3. Make your location clear if a call helps. Call someone you trust and say where you are, for example, “I’m by the lifts in the lobby at [building name].” Keep moving towards people while you talk.
  4. Use building help that is already there. Go to the desk, use the intercom, use a help point, or ask security, reception, or a concierge to meet you at the lifts or walk with you.
  5. If the person follows, blocks you, threatens you, or you think danger is immediate, call 999. Give the operator the building name, address, lift bank or lobby location, and what is happening now. If you cannot speak safely, stay on the line and follow the operator’s instructions.
  6. If you are already inside the lift and feel unsafe, get back to people. Exit at the next busy or visible floor if you can, or return to the lobby. Use the lift alarm or help button if you need urgent attention.
  7. When you are somewhere safer, report the incident if you want to. Tell building security, reception, management, or your workplace so they can respond to tailgating and check access or CCTV. For a non-emergency police report, you can usually use 101 or your local police force’s online reporting route.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide whether to confront them.
  • You do not need to prove they meant harm before you move away.
  • You do not need to identify them before getting to a safer, more public place.
  • You do not need to make a full report while you are still shaken or alone.

Important reassurance

It is normal to feel embarrassed or to second-guess yourself in a situation like this. You are allowed to choose safety over social comfort, and stepping away from a lift is a reasonable low-risk response.

Scope note

These are first steps for the moment you feel unsafe near a lift. Later decisions, such as formal reporting, building access changes, workplace procedures, or further safety planning, may need help from building management, workplace security, police, or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, security, medical, therapeutic, or other professional advice. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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