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Intimidation by neighbours: safety, records and appropriate help
Threatening messages, shouting or deliberately waiting for you can make home feel unsafe. What should you record, and who can help?
Put safety first. You do not have to confront the neighbour or send several messages before asking for help.
This guide applies to England.
What exactly has happened?
Record the date, time, place, words and actions as accurately as possible. Distinguish between what you experienced yourself and what someone else told you. Also write down if there were witnesses.
An unpleasant exchange and a criminal threat are not the same. Describe the words and actions to the police and let them assess their significance.
What do you need to stay safe now?
Find a safe place and avoid confrontation if tensions rise. Tell someone you trust if that helps. Don't continue a threatening conversation just because you think the neighbour should listen to you.
Ask the police what steps are appropriate in your situation. Also discuss what to do if behaviour repeats or worsens. An online message with reassuring general tips does not replace an assessment of a specific threat.
How do you deal with contact?
Only respond directly if it is safe
Ask the police or your support contact whether replying is appropriate. If it is, keep the message brief and use an agreed channel. You can ask a landlord or managing agent to handle further contact instead.
No escalation via messages
Don't threaten back, post accusations, or send a flood of messages. Save material received and ask for support in choosing a safe contact channel.
How can you keep a useful record?
Keep original messages
Keep original emails, chats and voice messages. Screenshots should include the date and sender. Share relevant records with the police or your support contact, rather than posting them publicly.
A factual event overview
Record events briefly and chronologically. List witnesses and visible damage. Don't provoke a new incident to gather evidence.
A clear support plan
Keep the incident or crime reference, contact person and agreed next steps together. Ask whom to contact if it happens again and what would require an emergency call.
Which rules apply in England?
For an immediate threat or a crime in progress, call 999. For a non-emergency report, use 101 or your police force’s online reporting service.
What if the behaviour continues?
Keep the original messages and a dated account of what happened. A landlord or housing association can also receive a report about antisocial behaviour in rented housing.
Sources and review date
Guide reviewed on 7 November 2026.
Get support with a safe next step
Use Who can help to identify support and prepare a factual report. Direct contact with the neighbour is optional and may be unsafe. The button below takes you to these help routes.