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uk Personal safety & immediate danger

What to do if…
someone is trying a key, door handle, or window while you are inside

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

Short answer

Put distance between yourself and the door or window, take your phone, and call 999 for the police because a possible break-in is happening now. Tell the operator your address as soon as you can and follow their instructions.

Do not do these things

  • Do not open the door or window to find out who is there.
  • Do not approach the affected door, window, or exposed glass to investigate.
  • Do not confront, chase, threaten, or try to restrain the person.
  • Do not tell the person that you have a weapon.
  • Do not leave by a route that takes you towards the person.
  • Do not delay calling 999 because you are unsure whether the person is mistaken.
  • Do not post your location or details of the incident publicly.
  • Do not go outside to check whether the person has left.

What to do now

  1. Move away from the affected door or window. If you can do so without approaching the person, go to a room you can close or lock and take your phone and anyone immediately beside you.
  2. Call 999 and ask for the police. Say that someone is trying a key, door handle, or window while you are inside, and give your address as soon as possible.
  3. Tell the operator which entry point is being tried, whether you have heard glass breaking or someone entering, and how many people are inside. Mention any injuries or weapons only if you already know about them.
  4. If you cannot speak safely, dial 999 and listen to the operator. Cough or tap your phone if you can, and press 55 if the recorded message prompts you to do so.
  5. Keep away from external doors and windows, remain out of sight where possible, and follow the operator’s instructions. Do not move closer to gather more information.
  6. Leave only if a clearly safe route is immediately available and does not take you towards the person. Go to a nearby occupied place and tell the 999 operator that you have moved.
  7. Tell the operator if the noises stop or the person appears to leave. Stay where you are and do not go outside unless the operator or attending police advise you to do so.

What can wait

You do not need to identify the person, decide whether it was a mistake, inspect the door or window, review recordings, contact a landlord or insurer, arrange repairs, or make longer-term security decisions now. Those tasks can wait until the immediate danger has passed.

Important reassurance

You do not need to prove that the person intends to enter before calling 999 about a possible crime in progress. For now, focus only on creating distance, contacting the police, and avoiding confrontation.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps during a possible attempted entry. Reporting, repairs, evidence, insurance, housing issues, and future security decisions may require help from the police, your landlord, an insurer, or another specialist after the danger has passed.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal or professional security advice. Circumstances differ, so follow instructions from the 999 operator and attending police.

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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