The Gun Counter

So the GF's younger sister may be in a spot of trouble. This could of course, be a prank, but I am not willing to bet on that. She goes to college somewhere down south, Alabama I believe. This evening she found a note on her door that said: "I am watching you". As far as I know there are no angry ex boyfriends or really obvious stalker types in her life.

I've advised her to file a police report, not to travel alone, and to increase her situational awareness-no cell phone while walking, no ear-buds, scan surroundings. She has no defensive training, nor is she armed-and on a college campus I doubt that she has any (legal) options open to her if she so desired.

Are there any important or major steps here that I missed in my advice to her? It worries me, as a potential precursor to action. Unless it's just some asshole trying to scare her, I cant think of any other reason why somebody would leave such a note unless they were no longer content to admire from afar.

Sounds like good advice so far.

Is there a way to arrange surveillance of her home? Maybe a webcam, security camera or somesuch directed at the door... This could be a prankster with a seriously off sense of humour; if they can be caught on film sticking up another note, they could be quickly dealt with by the appropriate authorities. If the note-poster is a genuine threat, getting them ID'd would be essential.

Denis wrote:Sounds like good advice so far.

Is there a way to arrange surveillance of her home? Maybe a webcam, security camera or somesuch directed at the door... This could be a prankster with a seriously off sense of humour; if they can be caught on film sticking up another note, they could be quickly dealt with by the appropriate authorities. If the note-poster is a genuine threat, getting them ID'd would be essential.

That's a good idea-and the idea just occurred to me that her dormitory may already be under surveillance. I'll look into that.

DO NOT discount a "friend" playing a practical "joke" on her. ESPECIALLY those of high school graduation / college age.

This kind of thing happens FAR more often than you'd think, with the perpetrator usually apologizing profusely for getting their "victim" so upset, as that wasn't their intent (rather it was their not thinking about the impact/results of their little "joke" - and sometimes once started, they aren't willing to fess-up to what they did and face the wrath of their "friend" whom they just scared the crap out of). I've seen this happen more than a few times up around the college area between "friends".

*IF* there's a second message and/or additional similar contacts, consider the new information in a MUCH more serious light.

WITHOUT additional information, I would tend to believe it's a "friend" being an idiot.

I'd take it seriously until proven otherwise.

Tell her to get 2 cans of OC spray. One to practice with and the other to carry.

rightisright wrote:I'd take it seriously until proven otherwise.

Me too.
And if it was me I'd take other precautions, and arm myself in any legal way possible. Guns are out of the question were I live, but heavy flashlights, sturdy pens, key chains, some legal defense sprays, etc can still be used. Anything you can provide a good explanation for having if you get caught with it or have to use it.

As far as not traveling alone, see if her campus has an Escort system. Some places they can call Campus Security/Police.

When I was in school we had a volunteer escort system. Mostly ROTC or ex-military, some of the Frats. Always 2 of us to watch our backs (and avoid certain accusations).

Post the note back up, but with an empty 9mm case next to it.

Rusty

Don't know where she is, but at A&M, she could ask any Cadet, and really any male student - esp. the athletes, to walk her home, and he will.

Rusty Ray wrote:Post the note back up, but with an empty 9mm case next to it.

Rusty

With, of course, a bullet hole in the note from said empty case.