That's terrifying. Thank you for alerting everyone. Also want to add, you can install swing gates that are still allowed by fire code. They're available at home depot etc. and not too hard to install. They create bars on the window that can lock into place (with a padlock if desired) or swing open for fire escape access.

How did you know they were attempting breakin? Did you see the person? Did you hear them? Wondering because I am a neighbor...

Terrifying -- esp. since broken lights on this street have also gone unrepaired for months on end.

To answer Ann’s question. I was in my living room reading - couldn’t sleep. I was sitting on my couch only a few feet away and then my cat went to the window. She was very disturbed. She kept staring at my window with the air conditioner. Then there was a shuffling noise around the air conditioner and then at my kitchen window. I banged on my shaded windows (very loudly) which would have scared away any animal but a few moments later the noise started up again. I pulled up the blinds on 2 of the windows and shined a flashlight onto the fire escape but couldn’t see anything but shadows because it was so dark outside. I yelled at whoever or whatever it was and then someone (not an animal) knocked on my kitchen window.! That’s when I called 911.

Thank you Ania and Anonymous for your suggestions - really appreciate it.

I would also suggest contacting the owner / property management company of your building.
Lights need to be working. This is definitely a safety issue that your building should address.
Lights can definitely be a deterrent to this type of activity.
I’m sorry you are going through this.
Generally speaking our area had been pretty crime free until recently.
Many backyard sheds have been broken into over the last few weeks.
Good luck and stay safe.

I have to agree. I live in the same building, and it's certainly not as safe as it has been. Are the lights off in our southern alley? If so, we should all alert management as to what's happening. Did you call Jay?

Great reminder that while cats don't generally scare off intruders like dogs might, that have the same great hearing and will alert you when something isn't right. Hooray for your cat! I'm so glad you were safe and the intruder didn't get in.

To RTC and Mark - I’ve already spoken to the super and he said he’s going to put flood lights on the south side of the building to light up the back of the driveway and fire escape area. He also is planning to get permission from the owner of the empty building next door to cut down a weedy tree that’s grown over the fence and its leaves and branches are overhanging onto our fire escape, especially near the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor stairs. Hopefully this work will be done soon! Thank you both for your helpful comments.

To Anonymous - Yes, my cat is a hero and thank you for your kind words.

Thank you for reporting this. I live in the neighborhood and have experienced increased crime in our building as well.

TC
Neighbors need to stick together and be the eyes and ears for each other.
Stay safe.

I hope Jay starts locking the gate to our back alley, as well.

At this point, no permission needed to cut a weed tree. Safety should be the primary concern.

To V and RTC - I agree. We need to help each other stay safe. I’ll be contacting the super tomorrow to remind him about the lights out back and cutting the tree. Couldn’t/Wouldn’t the Fire Department be able to cut this tree since it’s growing into our fire escape?

Mark - Could you please call or text Jay about the gate? I need all the help I can get!

To Ania - I agree. If the super won’t ask the Fire Department for help with this, maybe I will.

It sounds like a housing code violation. The owner should get fined for this.
Resident response center should be referring this to the housing code official.

I don't think RRC looks at posts filed under "to the community" or "to neighbors." I think you have to make a new post filed under housing code violation for the tree.

TC two thumbs up

To All - I already posted the problem about the tree a few weeks ago. A rep from the Sanitation Dept. showed up the next day. The super and I met with him and all he said was that the tree could be pruned. I don’t think he was seeing the safety issue. The super said he would prune it back, but so far nothing’s been done. I’ll be calling the super today for an update. Wish me luck!

Update - The super purchased a pruning device that extends up to 30 feet and he was able to cut away all the foliage near the fire escape. The super also had one floodlight put in which helps downstairs near the driveway but doesn’t shed any light near the fire escape. More floodlights have been requested. Thank you all and take care!

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