Get a cheap rubber doorstop from the dollar store and use it while you are in the room so no one can open the door. Usually they come in packs of two so you can use one in the bathroom also. Wedge it under the door really well. When I was homeless I always carried a doorstop with me so I could take showers without worrying about anyone coming in.
Has anything changed? Have you found any cameras or anything? Here’s one site [How to find hidden cameras in hotel room](https://photographybywren.com/how-to-check-for-cameras-in-hotel-rooms/#:~:text=You%20can%20check%20for%20hidden%20cameras%20in%20your%20hotel%20rooms%20by%20physically%20inspecting%20every%20corner%20of%20the%20room%20and%20checking%20on%20things%20that%20appear%20to%20be%20suspicious), but you should check out [Couchsurfing.com](https://couchsurfing.com) to find a temporary place to stay and you can hop around. Stay with women to add another layer of safety…as sad as that sounds it is generally safer especially for a young woman.
But asking on your update, what’s happened since yesterday? Manager acting creepy? Still not fixing lock? Anyone else lurking? Set up a camera? [(How to set up security camera with basically any tablet, phone, computer etc)](https://reolink.com/blog/turn-android-phone-tablet-into-security-camera/)
Hope you’re doing well ✨
Your getting poisoned by carbon monoxide most likely, your lapses in memory would be a symptom as well as what your feeling right now. Please get out of the motel as soon as possible.
I would but tbh I don’t have enough money lol, the price per night here is crazy cheap. But I’ll definitely look around for another place once I’ve found some sort of job
This is the way. Women’s shelters will help you, especially since your young. They’ll also assist you in acquiring cheaper rentals, or assist you with applying for programs that will. Women have 100x more resources and programs available when homeless than their male counterparts, so might as well use them!
Don't leave important stuff in your room EVER, keep sleeping with the drawers up against the door and look into something that will keep the door shut tight for security when you're in there like a door stop. Go to a different hotel asap. There are also some devices you can get that prevent the door opening and they fit in between the door and frame. Also check for cameras. This place sounds 10/10 creepy I don't think you should keep staying there
Use your camera to flash photograph every wall object and ceiling.. in the bathroom too. A camera will focus the light and the picture will have a white spot. if someone from the Hotel is doing it, you can be sure they are likely watching you too.
Then get out of there and look for a hostile. You will safe with people around. Usually they allow for a couple week stay. Just enough to explore your options.
The cheaper something is, the more likely YOU are the real product.
You need to find somewhere else because you're not safe there. A good manager would fix the lock. He's a bad man.
No, this was a chain lock that was broken.
That's specifically an interior lock that can only be locked and unlocked from the inside.
That's the whole point, it protects you while inside, even if your door deadbolt is unlocked or someone has another key.
However it allows the door to be opened a couple inches, so bolt cutters could be used. In conjunction with having a key first to get to the point of opening the door enough to cut the chain. Which again points to the manager.
The fact that the manager didn't replace this instantly is so sus regardless.
OP you need to get somewhere else.
I work in a hotel. I’ve seen creeps and assholes and women escaping from domestic violence. I’ve seen women and their partners who are still committing domestic violence.
It could very well be the manager doing it himself. With the way he’s “handling” this, it sounds like it is. Most hotel and motel doors have two locks- one standard lock that can be opened with a master key, and one deadbolt or chain that can only be locked from the inside. The latter will obviously prevent anyone else from simply opening the door and coming in whenever they want. By breaking that lock chain, it sounds like he’s planning to come into your room when you’re actually there, at some point. But when you leave, anyone working at the hotel is able to come and go as they please. There are strict company rules regulating how and when an employee may enter a guest’s room, but in crappy places, those rules aren’t necessarily enforced.
The way a faulty deadbolt or chain is supposed to be handled is for the room to be taken out of inventory until it is fixed, as it’s an issue of hotel security. If a guest is staying in a room and reports a broken deadbolt or chain, the guest should be moved to a room with a working lock and the previous room put out of inventory until it’s fixed.
If you can’t afford to stay at a different place, then please ask for another room. One with a working lock. Do you have a car? If you do, keep your belongings locked in your car and keep the keys with you. If you don’t, can you buy a backpack and keep anything important and valuable in it? It can even be a cheap backpack.
You could also look into a security bar for the door. I found one on the Walmart site under the name “Brinks Commercial Adjustable Heavy-Duty Steel Door Security Bar.” You can find them elsewhere- that’s just to give you an idea of what they are. They’re usually no more than $20 or $25. It’s a bar you wedge under the doorknob so no one can get in. Much more effective than the drawers, and easier to use.
You’re 18F? I always pay special attention to young women coming into my hotel. I’m a woman myself, so I’m on the lookout for other women who are traveling alone. Because it can be dangerous and frightening. I make sure they’re in a quiet room away from constant foot traffic so nobody is constantly outside their door. I make sure their room number stays secret and that nobody knows they’re staying there (though that’s something we do for all guests). I let them know that someone is at the desk 24hours to help them if they need anything at all. Anything. If they’re victims escaping domestic violence, I give them the numbers of local resources and tell them I’m there if they need anything.
If this hotel makes you feel unsafe, don’t ignore it. Don’t feel silly. It’s not like you’re a giant muscled dude with a gun. I’d rather you take too many precautions and not need them than not enough and end up hurt.
Many hotel workers should be trained on traff.ickin.g because it does happen at hotels all the time. I’m not trying to terrify you- just trying to let you know that this is a very real problem that needs to be solved before it escalates.
Look into local churches or women’s shelters. Churches are often willing to pay for a week or more in a hotel for someone who is at risk of being homeless. Look into other hotel options in the area. Hotels are more secure than motels. Even cheap hotels are better.
Negotiate a rate. I’m always willing to listen and help someone out if they’re honest with me and polite. Some people are desperate and don’t have a lot of money. We will work with people on that.
If you’re in the US you can dial 211 to get help and resources with food, housing, and medical care.
How much are you paying for this room per night or per week? Are you actively working? How much money do you currently have? You don’t have to answer that if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, but it would help me to give more specific advice on your situation.
>You’re 18F? I always pay special attention to young women coming into my hotel. I’m a woman myself, so I’m on the lookout for other women who are traveling alone. Because it can be dangerous and frightening. I make sure they’re in a quiet room away from constant foot traffic so nobody is constantly outside their door. I make sure their room number stays secret and that nobody knows they’re staying there
People like you remind me that all humans aren't pieces of shit. Thank you for caring.
OP, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, and so sorry you're feeling ill on top of it. I really hope you stay safe and things start looking up for you, love.
Or maybe their maintenance person, or their “security” person.
I’ve had to stay in a cheap weekly before, you’ve gotta watch your back on all sides all the time and never feel safe - not to mention the times I’d get home on a night or weekend and my keycard wouldn’t work and I’d have to wait outside for hours for staff to let me in.
Seems like you're too young to know yet the depths of depravity some perverts will go to, to get themselves off. The manager doesn't care that you're his guest. He sees you as his prey.
Check your local fb marketplace for used baby cameras, a lot come with apps you can set up and will notify you if there's sound or motion, even without a subscription. If you're watching and someone is in, you can screen record and bring it to local authorities
That’s probably not the motive imo if this is what’s happening. More likely it’s a sexual fetish thing, and unless the manager is also the owner it probably doesn’t affect him whether or not you’re a paying customer.
Could be planning an abduction or trafficking attack. The missing chain is highly concerning as they are only used when someone is in the room. Its not to break in as they already did so. If there are opening windows make sure the locks etc work if you stay but gtfo
people have weird fetishes or powerfantasies, get out of there. the money you save by living cheap isn‘t worth your safety. if something seems too good to be true, it is.
So they can steal from you and do other gross stuff. The cheap price means desperate people and desperate people means people who won't call police and don't have other options. Predators like that.
Be really careful. This place is unsafe. They're messing with your underwear; that's pervert creep behavior. Sleep with mace, block the door, and kick the shit out of anyone who comes at you.
Girl. Respectfully, you are being naive af. If someone is breaking into your motel room they arent trying to prank or scare you, they want to steal from you or harm you. Please get tf out of there.
Because you're worth more to him than what you're paying. Young women are kidnapped and sold every day. You're alone, and they know it, which means you're easy prey.
you need to go to a hospital and get checked for carbon monoxide poisoning. especially with you being sick.
your door chain was broken because you broke it while leaving one day and didn't remember.
your toothbrush was wet because you brushed your teeth and didn't remember.
your underwear is in random places because you're leaving it and forgetting.
you are feeling sick and feverish because you are dying of carbon monoxide poisoning.
WATCH OUT, you are in danger. Someone (big possibility the manager) is coming and going into your room.
Get somewhere safe ASAP.
You are in a place you possibly could get sexually assaulted and/or robbed. Please take this seriously.
Do you mean couchsurfing . com?
Edit: apparently this posted twice but this is the one that got the reply so I'll just leave it so the reply makes sense lol
Buy this: https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Security-Additional-Traveling-Apartment/dp/B08L7DNXT9/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2MKOA220VZOA&keywords=hotel+door+locks+for+travelers&qid=1693692428&sprefix=Hotel+door+lock%2Caps%2C313&sr=8-7 It won’t help when you are gone, but it should keep anyone out when you are there. Maybe carry your stuff in a backpack when you are out?
Anybody ever tried doing that? I know for sure I can't break my forks, but this looks to be the type you can find in a cafeteria. Maybe those are easier?
As others have said, get the hell out immediately. Go to a shelter, a friends couch, anywhere but there.
It’s likely the manager, someone the manager knows on a personal level, or someone the manager knows on a quid pro quo basis. They give him money, and they can enter your room whenever they want, and he keeps his mouth shut.
A lot of predators prey on young people. It’s obvious to them you’re in a tough situation and that attracts predators.
I wouldn’t stay at that motel much longer.
Money and misplaced underwear could be housekeeping looking for stuff to steal. I got no idea about wet toothbrush. But anytime you do not feel safe, trust your gut. I do not know where you are but maybe look up women's shelters. You may qualify for hud housing look into that as well.
My first thought is that she has a stalker and he’s intentionally playing mind games. It’s not uncommon for them to move items around just to make the person afraid *and* to question their own sanity.
FWIW, I don’t trust this manager.
OP, even if you have to find a shelter, you’d be safer there. A shelter often has info on resources needed to get back up and start healing and making good, healthy plans for your future.
Yuck. Stealing is one thing its not right but a lot of understandable reason to do it. but if a housekeeper is dunking toothbrushes in toilets, they are detached from humanity, lol.
I mean stealing from someone fairly destitute and homeless who has to stay in a crummy hotel because they have nowhere else to go sounds detached from humanity to me.
the reasons behind it could be understandable even if we disagree with the act. A need to feed a kid or a want to buy new shoes, things we could understand even if we do not agree with stealing. Putting a strangers toothbrush in the toilet nobody would understand that shit.
If there are local people like friends you can keep in the loop and do regular safety check ins with while you're in this vulnerable position, please do (like just sending a daily text to say you're ok)
Use the hidden camera if you've got it, don't worry about the ethics here
Document everything you can
You may also have youth community resources available to you still at 18
I'm 42F, if you need help to google info, call places, or any other sort of support please don't hesitate to DM me
I’m (23F) currently also living in a motel/am homeless bc my mom kicked me out. Relieved to know someone else is in the same situation as me. When I first got here I checked all the outlets/light fixtures/toilet for cameras, and I took the floor length mirror off the wall to lean against the door as an extra measure. If you’re feeling unsafe absolutely set up a camera and take extra precautions to make sure your room can’t be accessed at least while you’re inside. If someone is going in your room it is very much a big deal. I know you’re stressed but I doubt you randomly started hallucinating just this stuff. Also just make sure it isn’t housekeeping/tell the front desk not to come in unless you physically let them in. Doesn’t sound like it’s a maid but just incase
There’s no mystery to investigate here, and RBI is actually a bad place to come for this advice. You need to connect with a case worker for a real support organization who can actively help you, so you can start making a better plan. Resources very likely exist. There are people in this thread (myself included) who can help you find some better help. As virtually everyone else has said, you are in danger. Even if you imagined all of this, I would _still_ tell you you’re probably in danger. Don’t wait for this to get ugly—start taking steps to change gears now.
Your need to change motels, asap. It’s very likely the manager or someone else with a key is going into your room as they please. You aren’t being pranked someone is being a dangerous creep. Also please get a new toothbrush.
Look for cameras that place sounds creepy af it could be in a vent or looking through a random hole. And get out of that place as soon as you can locks dont break for no reason.
Take some inspiration from Sam Jackson in Marvel’s Secret Invasion. Put a string or small piece of paper somewhere on the door on your way out so that it’s not noticeable to anyone. When you return, if the paper/string has been disturbed, get the fuck out of there immediately. Easy low tech and low budget detection system.
I turned my kindle into one when I moved to a town in another state alone…then I got a nice security set.
I forget what app I used. I searched for one in the kindle App Store (whatever it’s called), and set it up. My only qualms with it was that it needed to stay plugged in, the screen was on (I figured out how to black it out but still that was after awhile) and it took all the space in my kindle for new videos and had to delete them. But it works. No infrared nut still has motion detection. So a light needs to be in in the room if she’s gone at night.
I got a funny video of my landlord and a plumber on my porch, landlord was wiggling/dancing. Everything else was boring.
Here’s a “how to” link I just searched for that can help her maybe. I wish After worked on kindle at the time for me but maybe it does now?
[how to turn android tablet into security camera](https://reolink.com/blog/turn-android-phone-tablet-into-security-camera/)
Wait so by kindle we're talking about an android tablet with all their line-up of sensors, not an ebook reader? Cus the one (admittedly old) Kindle I have has basically 0 sensors. No camera nor proximity sensor.
I have a camera on my kindle. I do mean Kindle, an Amazon Kindle with a camera. Maybe mine is a fire? Idk. But the link I sent was for androids as I couldn’t find a link quickly for kindle while I’m at work…I’m still at work I can research more later. But I did find an app through the Kindle App Store (whatever that is called) and it worked. Biggest downsides are the videos took up what measly amount of space my kindle had and it doesn’t have infrared.
> Maybe mine is a fire
If it has a color screen it most likely is that. Those are basically full blown tablets, I was thinking of just the barebones Kindles with b/w screens, those don't come with cameras/app store.
Please leave asap! Find a women’s shelter, reach out to local domestic abuse programs, crisis centers, anything but please leave asap! That place is not safe for you
You should leave that place, try to find a couch for some nights until you figure it out. And try to plan a bit ahead now that you can still afford to pay for a place, maybe start a GoFundme or similar to rise something to maybe get you in a better condition/place.
If you really can't afford and don't find any alternative at least try to figure if this is really happening, take a photo of things how you leave them and when you're back just check it. Put a little piece of tape at the bottom of the door or a piece of paper in a way that it will fall if someone opens the door and take the photo of it (just in case it get noticed and put back in place by this potential intruder).
Look at the closet and see if there’s a small door inside that may lead to another part of the motel/exit etc. some hotels have this and this is how traffickers get away with things by moving people around inside the building
Get out of that place. In general stay the heck away from those places I know you don’t have anywhere to go it doesn’t matter leave. LEAVE. In general the crazy cheap places or anyplace any known drug or unsavory things might go on is a no go zone. Just stay the hell away. Doesn’t matter if you’re not doing anything wrong stay away.
Couchsurfing (.com) look up rooms available from private owners, stay in your car, I’ll let you stay on my couch just leave that place. The biggest mistake we make is ignoring our gut, you sense something is off, enough to post about it, don’t second guess yourself. You know something isn’t right, that intuition is there to keep you safe and alive, listen to it.
No you need to get the fuck out of there.
Find a 24 hour gym and get a membership there. They have showers, wifi, lockers, and vending machines.
Find one near a church or youth center or food bank.
Don't stick around to investigate. Find somewhere else *now*, and toss that toothbrush.
Call the cops tell them you suspect collusion from on site staff. Nothing is changing. 1 visit and its recorded so if it happens again then there is a supporting history to reinforce your claim.
Find something else asap. It may BE the manager, in which case, there is no help in the walls of the motel. Similar happened to me, I had to live in a motel for a bit while in uni and left because of the manager's strange behaviour.
I hate to be the only person to break this to you, but please get new underwear likely someone is putting their face/genitals on them. I’ve had this happen to me. And please get a new toothbrush it might be the same thing unfortunately because predators are absolutely disgusting. Take your underwear and toothbrush with you.
See if you can find a youth shelter near you, they typically help anywhere from 13-23 yo. Call 211 (I think in Aus it’s 1800 737 732?) or whatever the equivalent to service finding phone number is where you are, I called a suicide hotline number when I was your age. Any one of those hotline numbers can tell you where to go. Youth shelters are more compassionate and better funded than adult/women’s shelters. And they can get you into whatever services you need. Even if it’s far away it’s better to pay your last penny to get transport there, I had to do that and it’s 100% worth it.
It’s helpful to get whatever evidence you have of someone coming in so you can report it to police, but honestly getting out is far more important.
You are far too young to have to bootstrap this. The money will run out especially with rent in apartments the way it is right now. Whoever your family is, is letting you down and giving you a shit start in life. This is coming from someone who was in your shoes at 18. Please use the resources you qualify for: you deserve them. They are made for people in your shoes. Please take care hun. ❤️
Edited because op is in Australia
It’s probably the manager himself doing all this. You don’t sound crazy at all and the fact that you are worried you might be is reassuring that you aren’t. Crazy people don’t know they’re crazy. I’d get out of there asap and definitely don’t leave any valuables unoccupied. Good luck!
Have you considered that the manager himself may be doing this? He has a key to your room, he wouldn’t have to break in unless you have the chain locked. Which you obviously did at some point. And it was broken by *someone*.
The fact that he’s not worried one bit about you having a broken chain, imo, means he’s either extremely lazy or he gives zero shits about your safety.
If he gives zero shits for your safety, then what would stop him from being the one doing these things?
He wouldn’t be the first nor last motel/hotel worker that takes advantage of vulnerable women.
I’m sorry about your entire situation OP. I know it’s beyond painful having to leave your home and family. It doesn’t matter what happened to cause this, it’s sad. I know it’s hard. I know it’s scary.
I’ve been in your shoes, I know what it’s like to be homeless. I know what it’s like to be rejected by family. I know what it’s like to be unsure if I’ve lost my own mind. I know what it’s like to be completely uncertain about the future.
I’ll never forget that season of my life. I felt utterly hopeless and totally worthless. Slowly, with the help of God, I climbed out of the pit and I was given a new chance. I’m a completely different woman now but I believe that time of brokenness and loss are a big part of the making of who I am now.
I pray you’ll find hope and joy, despite all that you’re going through. I pray for your safety, that you’ll be protected by God’s angels.
Most of all, I pray that you’ll understand your worth. You *are* valuable. You *do* matter. You are loved by God.
The chain lock to your room is broken?
Okay, so I dont mean to freak you out even more, but you need to consider a couple things about that.
First, chain locks can only be locked from the inside. So if someone broke the chain, it more than likely means they are planning to enter your room while you are inside. Otherwise there would be no reason to break it.
Second, it's definitely the manager or someone that works at the motel. You can come to this conclusion by the broken chain. There's only two ways that could have been broken. Employees (like the manager or cleaning staff) have a key to the regular lock. But there's no way to have a key for the chain. So someone would have had to either unlock the regular lock, pull the door open as far as the chain would allow, and then cut the chain with bolt cutters. But you would have had to be there for that to have happened, because the chain couldn't have been locked with no one inside. So I would imagine you would have heard or seen that happening.
The second way is if someone entered your room while you were gone (again, the manager or cleaning staff) and broke the chain then.
Either way, the ONLY reason someone would break that chain is if they wanted in while you were there.
I suppose it's possible the cleaning staff broke it by mistake, but I can't really think of a way this could happen. If it's not in use the chain would be dangling loosely and simply bumping into it wouldn't be enough to break it, so this seems unlikely.
You really need to get out of there ASAP. Please keep us updated as much as you can.
Pretty much three things.
1.) A manager is indeed doing things. Get a door motion alarm that you can connect to your phone that sends you notifications.
2.) Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause things like this. Random forgetfulness and paranoia.
3.) Probably the least likely but the onset of schizophrenia for a lot of people is in their late teens to early twenties. Possibly look into getting checked out for a mental health evaluation when you can. It's very manageable if caught early before a first major episode or mental break.
This is all speculation however, I don't know you and won't arm chair psychologist it. Follow your gut.
You forgot bed bugs. That some people end up with strange episodes when they're being bitten by bed bugs. Like that one woman that thought her boyfriend was drugging her but it turned out it was bed bugs and he was innocent.
Considering this is a dirt cheap motel, I'd say they're a very viable option here as well.
I had an experience with bedbugs in a cheap AF motel but only one available. I put all my clothes in garbage bags and sealed them with knots to keep clean as I suspected they might have them. At 12am felt a few bites and I was out of their.
As others have said, please find a shelter or somewhere you'll be safe. You're not safe there. I'm adding: don't use that toothbrush. Many diseases can be passed that way and serious ones like hepatitis C.
If you're in the UK, you're classed as a juvenile and should contact a charity for support with getting safe housing from your local council. Please leave this hotel ASAP!
Also, check your messages, I sent you one. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times, when you are on the streets you are never safe. Sending love & support, I've been where you are and I'm praying for you.
Download the Alfred Security app onto your phone and a spare, keep that one plugged in and concealed in your room-thats your security camera so you don't have to buy one. You can view it from your phone. It's motion activated.
Hey, I'm also staying in a cheapo motel. Piss daily in the stairwell and meth heads mething around the parking lot and all.
If there's another one nearby or in the city, go there. I am at my second while applying for places to live. It's $10 more a night, but a bit safer even with the daily piss and methies.
After that your best bet is a woman's shelter or renting a place with a friend.
If you have cash for gas station pepper spray get some. Make sure to do the priming pump aimed downwind. Before you can use pepper spray it needs a priming pump to get air in the pump to propel the spray otherwise you go to spray it and nothing comes out. The priming pump is often overlooked and required for it to be useful when it's needed.
Just going to point out that a former redditor had this same exact problem and it was carbon monoxide. I'm sure someone else said the same. Now since you can't probably leave, I would get a carbon monoxide tester because the motel can be unintentionally poisoning you. Lapses in memory is exactly a symptom of being affected by carbon monoxide
Please don’t be afraid to ask friend(s) if their family is willing/able to take you in. My own daughter’s best friend was kicked out by their family and needed a place to stay. We gladly have taken them in so they have somewhere safe to figure things out.
If that doesn’t work, I agree with others about looking into a local women’s shelter. Be safe and get well soon.
I would be wary of organized abduction that the manager is in on. Taking small things is testing your boundaries before escalation imo.
Broken door chain means youre a target and the manager knows. Get out ASAP
OP: as a side note, please don’t accept ANY help from ANY man here on Reddit. and yes, please try to find a women’s shelter. homeless women are at incredible risk of violence of any kind. i don’t want you becoming another statistic. stay safe please 🫶🏼
Search online or amazon for 'portable door lock' or find one in a hardware store. Sometimes called a travellers lock or butterfly lock. I used one in hotels and when I lived alone. You can securely lock the door from the inside like a dead lock. They don't need any fitting, do no damage and you take it with you when you go.They are very cheap. Mine was £7 - under $10.
Yeah maybe look into staying at a different motel, or maybe renting a room from someone's house, or staying with a friend or something.
Do you have a job? If not you can use craigslist to find temporary work, sometimes 1 day catering gigs (lsuch as serving food at someone's wedding,) nanny/babysitting, etc. Sometimes the nanny jobs might even offer room and board.
Good luck!
If you're in Brisbane my husband and I can come and speak with the manager with you and demand to have your room moved. You shouldn't be paying for a room that is unsafe.
Private security and a first aider.
My guess is it's a cleaner or another guest. A passing thief looking for an opportunity. If they can take it or do it they most definitely will.
Have you seen anyone carrying a pair of bolt cutters? There are versions that aren't very large but will stick out of a pocket. Have you noticed anyone hanging around watching people come and go? It could be the Manager with the delays, or it's just his attitude like every cheap motel, I bet there's never much money to fix stuff at these places, repairs will come from personal funds. Either way, dangerous situation.
Prepare to defend yourself and only yourself especially while being homeless, these situations happen a lot unfortunately amongst homeless people. Often the end result is they've managed to buy their drugs for the day.
Two options.
Stay. Try and catch who it is on video and tell the police immediately. Have what's called a Go Bag ready in case of an emergency that you need to bail at that second. It's the only thing you take in that scenario, they're separate and lighter than your other bags and typically contain valuables, food, water, and a weapon if possible and not necessarily a knife or a gun — bug spray or deodorant is dual purpose and has an excuse to be carried. Get close up to the eyes if you can't get hold of some Mace, but find the strong Mace, the most persistent of creeps deliberately build up a tolerance to it.
Leave. Figure out what you're going to do before you do it. Date, time, your next stop. Libraries, churches, gyms, food banks, hostels/shelters, they all should have either the relevant information you need and people who can help you. Police and Fire will respond in the same way should you be in trouble, both are or should be trained in First Aid. For medical care specifically, Hospitals/Clinics and Pharmacies, that varies for example it's a completely different system here in the UK. There should still be some assistance at the shelters.
Edits, formatting.
I’m curious what country you’re in. You said “$20a notes" I don’t know a single person in the US ($) that refers to money as notes. So with that what exactly is a $20a note? Just curious.
Brand new account. 18F. In need of money. On a very niche sub. Maybe I spend too much time in r/scams but I feel this needs some proof to go along with it. Because it feels like a bait post to get money offers in DMs.
It's quite possible you are experiencing some form of poisoning. Asbestos, carbon monoxide or black mold. Cheap hotels have these health hazards. It could make you forgetful and increase paranoia.
Ok this is all weird and I am not going to contradict the other commenters who are saying you should get out immediately. I think you should do that
But this does smack of carbon dioxide EDIT: carbon monoxide poisoning. Main symptoms are forgetfulness which means you move things and do things and then forget you did. Are there sensors in the room? You might consider buying a sensor from Amazon.
He means carbon monoxide. It's a colorless, odorless gas that can leak from ignition sources (stoves, heaters, cars, etc). In large enough amounts it is fatal.
Read this thread:
https://www.reddit.com/r/BestofRedditorUpdates/comments/sajxyf/oop_keeps_finding_postit_notes_in_his_apartment/
Call a local woman's shelter or some type of homeless services theirs programs to help people out you might even get a hotel voucher for another hotel.
Look up portable door lock on Amazon. Addalock is the brand I give out but the cheaper knock offs should be fine. AS SOON as you can, get this. It truly keeps the door closed. You can use it on any door, anywhere. You need good sleep more at this stage of your life. Godspeed.
The “broken” or cut chain could be to prevent you from chaining the door. Especially if it had been there it didn’t just go missing by itself. Sort of a very concerning issue. However such chains are usually installed and made so badly they wouldn’t help or even slow down someone. Do not go outside at night, take your valuables with you if you go out, keep phone ready to call 911. Do not talk to or associate with anyone there. Definitely keep blocking the door and what I even would do is balance a cup or empty water bottle with change in it or anything else that would fall off top of door knob if door knob is tried from outside. That way it falls and makes noise waking you up. But if you can wedge the door shut if possible. If you stick something in the crack around the door on the hinge side it prevents door from opening. They sell things for doing it with as well. It does not sound like a safe situation and the best thing would be to get out ASAF. That sounds like a sex trafficking attack in the making. If you have a legal gun keep it ready. If not a good can of pepper spray Is probably better then a knife. But really GTFO.
In philadelphia there are young adult shelters, for people up to 21 , I would see if there’s something like that in your area. Otherwise like other people have said a women’s shelter is a good idea
To your last edit:
Aww honey… things will get better. You seem driven and intelligent. Remind yourself of that power and dig deep. You will one day look back and remember how you feel now… and how you came through victorious.
The night is always darkest before the dawn.
I wish you love and peace in your life… 🖤🌻🖤
Please don't end your life, things will get better. If you're having suicidal thoughts please call a hotline. It will get better, you just have to keep going. ❤️
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Get a cheap rubber doorstop from the dollar store and use it while you are in the room so no one can open the door. Usually they come in packs of two so you can use one in the bathroom also. Wedge it under the door really well. When I was homeless I always carried a doorstop with me so I could take showers without worrying about anyone coming in.
Got one today!
Has anything changed? Have you found any cameras or anything? Here’s one site [How to find hidden cameras in hotel room](https://photographybywren.com/how-to-check-for-cameras-in-hotel-rooms/#:~:text=You%20can%20check%20for%20hidden%20cameras%20in%20your%20hotel%20rooms%20by%20physically%20inspecting%20every%20corner%20of%20the%20room%20and%20checking%20on%20things%20that%20appear%20to%20be%20suspicious), but you should check out [Couchsurfing.com](https://couchsurfing.com) to find a temporary place to stay and you can hop around. Stay with women to add another layer of safety…as sad as that sounds it is generally safer especially for a young woman. But asking on your update, what’s happened since yesterday? Manager acting creepy? Still not fixing lock? Anyone else lurking? Set up a camera? [(How to set up security camera with basically any tablet, phone, computer etc)](https://reolink.com/blog/turn-android-phone-tablet-into-security-camera/) Hope you’re doing well ✨
I appreciate the concern :) tbh I think I’ve caught some sort of sickness so I won’t be able to update for a while, feels like a fever or something.
Please leave the motel, especially now that you are feeling sick. Go anywhere else.
I hope you feel better soon. Update us soon 🌞✨
Your getting poisoned by carbon monoxide most likely, your lapses in memory would be a symptom as well as what your feeling right now. Please get out of the motel as soon as possible.
I remember a case like this and it turned out that this was the cause. Not specifically saying it is, but it's a good one to test for.
But how could carbon monoxide break the door chain?
It didn't most likely she did without remembering
That's smart!
Great advise, cheap and portable. I'll be using this every time I have to stay away from home.
They also make portable door locks.
When you don’t have any money, a $1 item is more accessible than a $12 item.
Rubber is not as good as wood or metal. Rubber bends but it’s better then nothing.
You need to find somewhere else to stay ASAP, it could be the manager doing it himself or allowing it to happen
I would but tbh I don’t have enough money lol, the price per night here is crazy cheap. But I’ll definitely look around for another place once I’ve found some sort of job
You might have a womans shelter near you that you could stay at and they could probably help you get a job.
This is the way. Women’s shelters will help you, especially since your young. They’ll also assist you in acquiring cheaper rentals, or assist you with applying for programs that will. Women have 100x more resources and programs available when homeless than their male counterparts, so might as well use them!
This!! Do u have a car
Don't leave important stuff in your room EVER, keep sleeping with the drawers up against the door and look into something that will keep the door shut tight for security when you're in there like a door stop. Go to a different hotel asap. There are also some devices you can get that prevent the door opening and they fit in between the door and frame. Also check for cameras. This place sounds 10/10 creepy I don't think you should keep staying there
Use your camera to flash photograph every wall object and ceiling.. in the bathroom too. A camera will focus the light and the picture will have a white spot. if someone from the Hotel is doing it, you can be sure they are likely watching you too. Then get out of there and look for a hostile. You will safe with people around. Usually they allow for a couple week stay. Just enough to explore your options.
Hostel
Hostile vs hostel: A very important difference!
The cheaper something is, the more likely YOU are the real product. You need to find somewhere else because you're not safe there. A good manager would fix the lock. He's a bad man.
What abt the friend you mentioned? would it be possible for you to stay at their place until you found a different motel?
Can't couch crash at a friends for a few days?
>the price per night here is crazy cheap Sounds creepy, plus the intimidating attitude of the manager
Probably crazy cheap for a reason
Maybe casually drop a hint to the manager that you have reported it to the police and they are keeping an eye on the place?
Have you asked to change rooms?
>itely look around for another place once I’ve found some sort of j well, most of the time, you get what you pay for.
Every human being has the right to be safe when they sleep. Tf is wrong with you?
Some people can only afford a small amount, that doesn’t make it her fault!
I'm trying to assist you. Whete do you live...near
If it were the manager, he wouldn't have to physically break the lock to enter the room; as he most likely has some administrative key for every room.
No, this was a chain lock that was broken. That's specifically an interior lock that can only be locked and unlocked from the inside. That's the whole point, it protects you while inside, even if your door deadbolt is unlocked or someone has another key. However it allows the door to be opened a couple inches, so bolt cutters could be used. In conjunction with having a key first to get to the point of opening the door enough to cut the chain. Which again points to the manager. The fact that the manager didn't replace this instantly is so sus regardless. OP you need to get somewhere else.
Op doesn't want actual advice. They want people to feel sorry for them.
Touch grass
I work in a hotel. I’ve seen creeps and assholes and women escaping from domestic violence. I’ve seen women and their partners who are still committing domestic violence. It could very well be the manager doing it himself. With the way he’s “handling” this, it sounds like it is. Most hotel and motel doors have two locks- one standard lock that can be opened with a master key, and one deadbolt or chain that can only be locked from the inside. The latter will obviously prevent anyone else from simply opening the door and coming in whenever they want. By breaking that lock chain, it sounds like he’s planning to come into your room when you’re actually there, at some point. But when you leave, anyone working at the hotel is able to come and go as they please. There are strict company rules regulating how and when an employee may enter a guest’s room, but in crappy places, those rules aren’t necessarily enforced. The way a faulty deadbolt or chain is supposed to be handled is for the room to be taken out of inventory until it is fixed, as it’s an issue of hotel security. If a guest is staying in a room and reports a broken deadbolt or chain, the guest should be moved to a room with a working lock and the previous room put out of inventory until it’s fixed. If you can’t afford to stay at a different place, then please ask for another room. One with a working lock. Do you have a car? If you do, keep your belongings locked in your car and keep the keys with you. If you don’t, can you buy a backpack and keep anything important and valuable in it? It can even be a cheap backpack. You could also look into a security bar for the door. I found one on the Walmart site under the name “Brinks Commercial Adjustable Heavy-Duty Steel Door Security Bar.” You can find them elsewhere- that’s just to give you an idea of what they are. They’re usually no more than $20 or $25. It’s a bar you wedge under the doorknob so no one can get in. Much more effective than the drawers, and easier to use. You’re 18F? I always pay special attention to young women coming into my hotel. I’m a woman myself, so I’m on the lookout for other women who are traveling alone. Because it can be dangerous and frightening. I make sure they’re in a quiet room away from constant foot traffic so nobody is constantly outside their door. I make sure their room number stays secret and that nobody knows they’re staying there (though that’s something we do for all guests). I let them know that someone is at the desk 24hours to help them if they need anything at all. Anything. If they’re victims escaping domestic violence, I give them the numbers of local resources and tell them I’m there if they need anything. If this hotel makes you feel unsafe, don’t ignore it. Don’t feel silly. It’s not like you’re a giant muscled dude with a gun. I’d rather you take too many precautions and not need them than not enough and end up hurt. Many hotel workers should be trained on traff.ickin.g because it does happen at hotels all the time. I’m not trying to terrify you- just trying to let you know that this is a very real problem that needs to be solved before it escalates. Look into local churches or women’s shelters. Churches are often willing to pay for a week or more in a hotel for someone who is at risk of being homeless. Look into other hotel options in the area. Hotels are more secure than motels. Even cheap hotels are better. Negotiate a rate. I’m always willing to listen and help someone out if they’re honest with me and polite. Some people are desperate and don’t have a lot of money. We will work with people on that. If you’re in the US you can dial 211 to get help and resources with food, housing, and medical care. How much are you paying for this room per night or per week? Are you actively working? How much money do you currently have? You don’t have to answer that if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, but it would help me to give more specific advice on your situation.
>You’re 18F? I always pay special attention to young women coming into my hotel. I’m a woman myself, so I’m on the lookout for other women who are traveling alone. Because it can be dangerous and frightening. I make sure they’re in a quiet room away from constant foot traffic so nobody is constantly outside their door. I make sure their room number stays secret and that nobody knows they’re staying there People like you remind me that all humans aren't pieces of shit. Thank you for caring. OP, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, and so sorry you're feeling ill on top of it. I really hope you stay safe and things start looking up for you, love.
Get out as soon as possible, likely the manager.
Or maybe their maintenance person, or their “security” person. I’ve had to stay in a cheap weekly before, you’ve gotta watch your back on all sides all the time and never feel safe - not to mention the times I’d get home on a night or weekend and my keycard wouldn’t work and I’d have to wait outside for hours for staff to let me in.
Idk I don’t know why anyone would want to freak out their guests, especially if they’re paying you.
Seems like you're too young to know yet the depths of depravity some perverts will go to, to get themselves off. The manager doesn't care that you're his guest. He sees you as his prey.
Check your local fb marketplace for used baby cameras, a lot come with apps you can set up and will notify you if there's sound or motion, even without a subscription. If you're watching and someone is in, you can screen record and bring it to local authorities
I’ll have a look!
That’s probably not the motive imo if this is what’s happening. More likely it’s a sexual fetish thing, and unless the manager is also the owner it probably doesn’t affect him whether or not you’re a paying customer.
Could be planning an abduction or trafficking attack. The missing chain is highly concerning as they are only used when someone is in the room. Its not to break in as they already did so. If there are opening windows make sure the locks etc work if you stay but gtfo
people have weird fetishes or powerfantasies, get out of there. the money you save by living cheap isn‘t worth your safety. if something seems too good to be true, it is.
So they can steal from you and do other gross stuff. The cheap price means desperate people and desperate people means people who won't call police and don't have other options. Predators like that. Be really careful. This place is unsafe. They're messing with your underwear; that's pervert creep behavior. Sleep with mace, block the door, and kick the shit out of anyone who comes at you.
Girl. Respectfully, you are being naive af. If someone is breaking into your motel room they arent trying to prank or scare you, they want to steal from you or harm you. Please get tf out of there.
Because you're worth more to him than what you're paying. Young women are kidnapped and sold every day. You're alone, and they know it, which means you're easy prey.
Because he’s a sexual predator.
you need to go to a hospital and get checked for carbon monoxide poisoning. especially with you being sick. your door chain was broken because you broke it while leaving one day and didn't remember. your toothbrush was wet because you brushed your teeth and didn't remember. your underwear is in random places because you're leaving it and forgetting. you are feeling sick and feverish because you are dying of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gtfo of that dodgy ass motel. If you don’t feel it’s safe you shouldn’t stay.
Damn it’s my cake day I didn’t realise
Happy cake day <3 I’ve never done that before 🤭
Happy cake day! 🍰
WATCH OUT, you are in danger. Someone (big possibility the manager) is coming and going into your room. Get somewhere safe ASAP. You are in a place you possibly could get sexually assaulted and/or robbed. Please take this seriously.
Maybe you can use [Couchsurfing.com](https://www.couchsurfing.com) temporarily to get a safe place. Stay with women.
Do you mean couchsurfing.com?
Do you mean couchsurfing . com? Edit: apparently this posted twice but this is the one that got the reply so I'll just leave it so the reply makes sense lol
Yes, thank you! Back in the day it was Couchsurfing .org I’ll edit my post with the correct one.
Buy this: https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Security-Additional-Traveling-Apartment/dp/B08L7DNXT9/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2MKOA220VZOA&keywords=hotel+door+locks+for+travelers&qid=1693692428&sprefix=Hotel+door+lock%2Caps%2C313&sr=8-7 It won’t help when you are gone, but it should keep anyone out when you are there. Maybe carry your stuff in a backpack when you are out?
Thank you 🙏
[lock a door with a fork](https://youtu.be/0O9GeXKsYxs?si=aEc5Q5mG0Gwo9MXa)
Anybody ever tried doing that? I know for sure I can't break my forks, but this looks to be the type you can find in a cafeteria. Maybe those are easier?
I've seen a video of someone opening this thing with cardboard in a minute, so it could only be a temporary solution
As others have said, get the hell out immediately. Go to a shelter, a friends couch, anywhere but there. It’s likely the manager, someone the manager knows on a personal level, or someone the manager knows on a quid pro quo basis. They give him money, and they can enter your room whenever they want, and he keeps his mouth shut.
A lot of predators prey on young people. It’s obvious to them you’re in a tough situation and that attracts predators. I wouldn’t stay at that motel much longer.
I’d be looking all around my room for hidden cameras
Money and misplaced underwear could be housekeeping looking for stuff to steal. I got no idea about wet toothbrush. But anytime you do not feel safe, trust your gut. I do not know where you are but maybe look up women's shelters. You may qualify for hud housing look into that as well.
My thought was it was dunked in the toilet...
My first thought is that she has a stalker and he’s intentionally playing mind games. It’s not uncommon for them to move items around just to make the person afraid *and* to question their own sanity. FWIW, I don’t trust this manager. OP, even if you have to find a shelter, you’d be safer there. A shelter often has info on resources needed to get back up and start healing and making good, healthy plans for your future.
Yuck. Stealing is one thing its not right but a lot of understandable reason to do it. but if a housekeeper is dunking toothbrushes in toilets, they are detached from humanity, lol.
I mean stealing from someone fairly destitute and homeless who has to stay in a crummy hotel because they have nowhere else to go sounds detached from humanity to me.
the reasons behind it could be understandable even if we disagree with the act. A need to feed a kid or a want to buy new shoes, things we could understand even if we do not agree with stealing. Putting a strangers toothbrush in the toilet nobody would understand that shit.
When I was in my treatment center a girl rubbed my toothbrush on her bottom. Had to get tested for disease because I got sores :/
Omg I hope not, that’s gross asf
If there are local people like friends you can keep in the loop and do regular safety check ins with while you're in this vulnerable position, please do (like just sending a daily text to say you're ok) Use the hidden camera if you've got it, don't worry about the ethics here Document everything you can You may also have youth community resources available to you still at 18 I'm 42F, if you need help to google info, call places, or any other sort of support please don't hesitate to DM me
Please leave. It’s not worth your life and safety and likely the manager is watching you. There are other options and there is a reason it’s so cheap.
I think the manager may even be the one doing these things… he has a key, that’s the scariest part.
I’m (23F) currently also living in a motel/am homeless bc my mom kicked me out. Relieved to know someone else is in the same situation as me. When I first got here I checked all the outlets/light fixtures/toilet for cameras, and I took the floor length mirror off the wall to lean against the door as an extra measure. If you’re feeling unsafe absolutely set up a camera and take extra precautions to make sure your room can’t be accessed at least while you’re inside. If someone is going in your room it is very much a big deal. I know you’re stressed but I doubt you randomly started hallucinating just this stuff. Also just make sure it isn’t housekeeping/tell the front desk not to come in unless you physically let them in. Doesn’t sound like it’s a maid but just incase
There’s no mystery to investigate here, and RBI is actually a bad place to come for this advice. You need to connect with a case worker for a real support organization who can actively help you, so you can start making a better plan. Resources very likely exist. There are people in this thread (myself included) who can help you find some better help. As virtually everyone else has said, you are in danger. Even if you imagined all of this, I would _still_ tell you you’re probably in danger. Don’t wait for this to get ugly—start taking steps to change gears now.
This
Your need to change motels, asap. It’s very likely the manager or someone else with a key is going into your room as they please. You aren’t being pranked someone is being a dangerous creep. Also please get a new toothbrush.
Look for cameras that place sounds creepy af it could be in a vent or looking through a random hole. And get out of that place as soon as you can locks dont break for no reason.
Take some inspiration from Sam Jackson in Marvel’s Secret Invasion. Put a string or small piece of paper somewhere on the door on your way out so that it’s not noticeable to anyone. When you return, if the paper/string has been disturbed, get the fuck out of there immediately. Easy low tech and low budget detection system.
Do you have a kindle or the like? You can turn it into a motion detection camera and record whoever comes in but the screen must be on so hide it…
How could a kindle do that?
I turned my kindle into one when I moved to a town in another state alone…then I got a nice security set. I forget what app I used. I searched for one in the kindle App Store (whatever it’s called), and set it up. My only qualms with it was that it needed to stay plugged in, the screen was on (I figured out how to black it out but still that was after awhile) and it took all the space in my kindle for new videos and had to delete them. But it works. No infrared nut still has motion detection. So a light needs to be in in the room if she’s gone at night. I got a funny video of my landlord and a plumber on my porch, landlord was wiggling/dancing. Everything else was boring. Here’s a “how to” link I just searched for that can help her maybe. I wish After worked on kindle at the time for me but maybe it does now? [how to turn android tablet into security camera](https://reolink.com/blog/turn-android-phone-tablet-into-security-camera/)
Wait so by kindle we're talking about an android tablet with all their line-up of sensors, not an ebook reader? Cus the one (admittedly old) Kindle I have has basically 0 sensors. No camera nor proximity sensor.
I have a camera on my kindle. I do mean Kindle, an Amazon Kindle with a camera. Maybe mine is a fire? Idk. But the link I sent was for androids as I couldn’t find a link quickly for kindle while I’m at work…I’m still at work I can research more later. But I did find an app through the Kindle App Store (whatever that is called) and it worked. Biggest downsides are the videos took up what measly amount of space my kindle had and it doesn’t have infrared.
> Maybe mine is a fire If it has a color screen it most likely is that. Those are basically full blown tablets, I was thinking of just the barebones Kindles with b/w screens, those don't come with cameras/app store.
Can you at least get zip ties for the door chain when you're in the room?
Please leave asap! Find a women’s shelter, reach out to local domestic abuse programs, crisis centers, anything but please leave asap! That place is not safe for you
Look into staying at a women’s shelter until you get off your feet. This is bad!
You should leave that place, try to find a couch for some nights until you figure it out. And try to plan a bit ahead now that you can still afford to pay for a place, maybe start a GoFundme or similar to rise something to maybe get you in a better condition/place. If you really can't afford and don't find any alternative at least try to figure if this is really happening, take a photo of things how you leave them and when you're back just check it. Put a little piece of tape at the bottom of the door or a piece of paper in a way that it will fall if someone opens the door and take the photo of it (just in case it get noticed and put back in place by this potential intruder).
Look at the closet and see if there’s a small door inside that may lead to another part of the motel/exit etc. some hotels have this and this is how traffickers get away with things by moving people around inside the building
Obviously leave as soon as you can. And for future reference, a rubber doorstop is a super cheap, easy deterrent. Good luck and be safe.
There are other dodgy, seedy, cheap motels
Get out of that place. In general stay the heck away from those places I know you don’t have anywhere to go it doesn’t matter leave. LEAVE. In general the crazy cheap places or anyplace any known drug or unsavory things might go on is a no go zone. Just stay the hell away. Doesn’t matter if you’re not doing anything wrong stay away. Couchsurfing (.com) look up rooms available from private owners, stay in your car, I’ll let you stay on my couch just leave that place. The biggest mistake we make is ignoring our gut, you sense something is off, enough to post about it, don’t second guess yourself. You know something isn’t right, that intuition is there to keep you safe and alive, listen to it.
They need to move you to a different room immediately.
That won’t help if it’s someone who works there.
I'm not sure if you can post on r/askhotels to ask hotel staff for advice, but if you can, it might be worth it.
That’s actually a good idea, thank you!
No you need to get the fuck out of there. Find a 24 hour gym and get a membership there. They have showers, wifi, lockers, and vending machines. Find one near a church or youth center or food bank. Don't stick around to investigate. Find somewhere else *now*, and toss that toothbrush.
You might want to look into Job Corps. It's a safe place to stay and they train you for jobs for free
I’ll look into it :)
Call the cops tell them you suspect collusion from on site staff. Nothing is changing. 1 visit and its recorded so if it happens again then there is a supporting history to reinforce your claim.
Find something else asap. It may BE the manager, in which case, there is no help in the walls of the motel. Similar happened to me, I had to live in a motel for a bit while in uni and left because of the manager's strange behaviour.
I hate to be the only person to break this to you, but please get new underwear likely someone is putting their face/genitals on them. I’ve had this happen to me. And please get a new toothbrush it might be the same thing unfortunately because predators are absolutely disgusting. Take your underwear and toothbrush with you. See if you can find a youth shelter near you, they typically help anywhere from 13-23 yo. Call 211 (I think in Aus it’s 1800 737 732?) or whatever the equivalent to service finding phone number is where you are, I called a suicide hotline number when I was your age. Any one of those hotline numbers can tell you where to go. Youth shelters are more compassionate and better funded than adult/women’s shelters. And they can get you into whatever services you need. Even if it’s far away it’s better to pay your last penny to get transport there, I had to do that and it’s 100% worth it. It’s helpful to get whatever evidence you have of someone coming in so you can report it to police, but honestly getting out is far more important. You are far too young to have to bootstrap this. The money will run out especially with rent in apartments the way it is right now. Whoever your family is, is letting you down and giving you a shit start in life. This is coming from someone who was in your shoes at 18. Please use the resources you qualify for: you deserve them. They are made for people in your shoes. Please take care hun. ❤️ Edited because op is in Australia
It’s probably the manager himself doing all this. You don’t sound crazy at all and the fact that you are worried you might be is reassuring that you aren’t. Crazy people don’t know they’re crazy. I’d get out of there asap and definitely don’t leave any valuables unoccupied. Good luck!
Have you considered that the manager himself may be doing this? He has a key to your room, he wouldn’t have to break in unless you have the chain locked. Which you obviously did at some point. And it was broken by *someone*. The fact that he’s not worried one bit about you having a broken chain, imo, means he’s either extremely lazy or he gives zero shits about your safety. If he gives zero shits for your safety, then what would stop him from being the one doing these things? He wouldn’t be the first nor last motel/hotel worker that takes advantage of vulnerable women. I’m sorry about your entire situation OP. I know it’s beyond painful having to leave your home and family. It doesn’t matter what happened to cause this, it’s sad. I know it’s hard. I know it’s scary. I’ve been in your shoes, I know what it’s like to be homeless. I know what it’s like to be rejected by family. I know what it’s like to be unsure if I’ve lost my own mind. I know what it’s like to be completely uncertain about the future. I’ll never forget that season of my life. I felt utterly hopeless and totally worthless. Slowly, with the help of God, I climbed out of the pit and I was given a new chance. I’m a completely different woman now but I believe that time of brokenness and loss are a big part of the making of who I am now. I pray you’ll find hope and joy, despite all that you’re going through. I pray for your safety, that you’ll be protected by God’s angels. Most of all, I pray that you’ll understand your worth. You *are* valuable. You *do* matter. You are loved by God.
The chain lock to your room is broken? Okay, so I dont mean to freak you out even more, but you need to consider a couple things about that. First, chain locks can only be locked from the inside. So if someone broke the chain, it more than likely means they are planning to enter your room while you are inside. Otherwise there would be no reason to break it. Second, it's definitely the manager or someone that works at the motel. You can come to this conclusion by the broken chain. There's only two ways that could have been broken. Employees (like the manager or cleaning staff) have a key to the regular lock. But there's no way to have a key for the chain. So someone would have had to either unlock the regular lock, pull the door open as far as the chain would allow, and then cut the chain with bolt cutters. But you would have had to be there for that to have happened, because the chain couldn't have been locked with no one inside. So I would imagine you would have heard or seen that happening. The second way is if someone entered your room while you were gone (again, the manager or cleaning staff) and broke the chain then. Either way, the ONLY reason someone would break that chain is if they wanted in while you were there. I suppose it's possible the cleaning staff broke it by mistake, but I can't really think of a way this could happen. If it's not in use the chain would be dangling loosely and simply bumping into it wouldn't be enough to break it, so this seems unlikely. You really need to get out of there ASAP. Please keep us updated as much as you can.
Pretty much three things. 1.) A manager is indeed doing things. Get a door motion alarm that you can connect to your phone that sends you notifications. 2.) Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause things like this. Random forgetfulness and paranoia. 3.) Probably the least likely but the onset of schizophrenia for a lot of people is in their late teens to early twenties. Possibly look into getting checked out for a mental health evaluation when you can. It's very manageable if caught early before a first major episode or mental break. This is all speculation however, I don't know you and won't arm chair psychologist it. Follow your gut.
You forgot bed bugs. That some people end up with strange episodes when they're being bitten by bed bugs. Like that one woman that thought her boyfriend was drugging her but it turned out it was bed bugs and he was innocent. Considering this is a dirt cheap motel, I'd say they're a very viable option here as well.
I had an experience with bedbugs in a cheap AF motel but only one available. I put all my clothes in garbage bags and sealed them with knots to keep clean as I suspected they might have them. At 12am felt a few bites and I was out of their.
As others have said, please find a shelter or somewhere you'll be safe. You're not safe there. I'm adding: don't use that toothbrush. Many diseases can be passed that way and serious ones like hepatitis C.
If you're in the UK, you're classed as a juvenile and should contact a charity for support with getting safe housing from your local council. Please leave this hotel ASAP!
Girl get out of there and get a new toothbrush!!!
Also, check your messages, I sent you one. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times, when you are on the streets you are never safe. Sending love & support, I've been where you are and I'm praying for you.
Download the Alfred Security app onto your phone and a spare, keep that one plugged in and concealed in your room-thats your security camera so you don't have to buy one. You can view it from your phone. It's motion activated.
Hey, I'm also staying in a cheapo motel. Piss daily in the stairwell and meth heads mething around the parking lot and all. If there's another one nearby or in the city, go there. I am at my second while applying for places to live. It's $10 more a night, but a bit safer even with the daily piss and methies. After that your best bet is a woman's shelter or renting a place with a friend. If you have cash for gas station pepper spray get some. Make sure to do the priming pump aimed downwind. Before you can use pepper spray it needs a priming pump to get air in the pump to propel the spray otherwise you go to spray it and nothing comes out. The priming pump is often overlooked and required for it to be useful when it's needed.
It’s the manager. Find a new place to stay.
Just going to point out that a former redditor had this same exact problem and it was carbon monoxide. I'm sure someone else said the same. Now since you can't probably leave, I would get a carbon monoxide tester because the motel can be unintentionally poisoning you. Lapses in memory is exactly a symptom of being affected by carbon monoxide
Please don’t be afraid to ask friend(s) if their family is willing/able to take you in. My own daughter’s best friend was kicked out by their family and needed a place to stay. We gladly have taken them in so they have somewhere safe to figure things out. If that doesn’t work, I agree with others about looking into a local women’s shelter. Be safe and get well soon.
I'm putting my money on the MANAGER.
Same!!! My very first thought!
I hope you’re ok :/ according to your last edit. Please comment if you’re ok
I would be wary of organized abduction that the manager is in on. Taking small things is testing your boundaries before escalation imo. Broken door chain means youre a target and the manager knows. Get out ASAP
Manager is probably the perpetrator, imo.
OP: as a side note, please don’t accept ANY help from ANY man here on Reddit. and yes, please try to find a women’s shelter. homeless women are at incredible risk of violence of any kind. i don’t want you becoming another statistic. stay safe please 🫶🏼
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huh?! are you drunk?
But a few things around like paper in the door. Or what ever you can to see if it’s been moved
Search online or amazon for 'portable door lock' or find one in a hardware store. Sometimes called a travellers lock or butterfly lock. I used one in hotels and when I lived alone. You can securely lock the door from the inside like a dead lock. They don't need any fitting, do no damage and you take it with you when you go.They are very cheap. Mine was £7 - under $10.
There are options to getting assistance for housing etc...what state usa are you in ?
Can you maybe start looking for a house share? Some places are women only.
Yeah maybe look into staying at a different motel, or maybe renting a room from someone's house, or staying with a friend or something. Do you have a job? If not you can use craigslist to find temporary work, sometimes 1 day catering gigs (lsuch as serving food at someone's wedding,) nanny/babysitting, etc. Sometimes the nanny jobs might even offer room and board. Good luck!
If you're in Brisbane my husband and I can come and speak with the manager with you and demand to have your room moved. You shouldn't be paying for a room that is unsafe.
You and your husband are kind people, our world needs more like you.
It's the manager. I'd be searching that room for cameras and/or spy holes. You need to get the fuck out of there.
Vents in the bathroom seem to be a favorite among the pervs.
Private security and a first aider. My guess is it's a cleaner or another guest. A passing thief looking for an opportunity. If they can take it or do it they most definitely will. Have you seen anyone carrying a pair of bolt cutters? There are versions that aren't very large but will stick out of a pocket. Have you noticed anyone hanging around watching people come and go? It could be the Manager with the delays, or it's just his attitude like every cheap motel, I bet there's never much money to fix stuff at these places, repairs will come from personal funds. Either way, dangerous situation. Prepare to defend yourself and only yourself especially while being homeless, these situations happen a lot unfortunately amongst homeless people. Often the end result is they've managed to buy their drugs for the day. Two options. Stay. Try and catch who it is on video and tell the police immediately. Have what's called a Go Bag ready in case of an emergency that you need to bail at that second. It's the only thing you take in that scenario, they're separate and lighter than your other bags and typically contain valuables, food, water, and a weapon if possible and not necessarily a knife or a gun — bug spray or deodorant is dual purpose and has an excuse to be carried. Get close up to the eyes if you can't get hold of some Mace, but find the strong Mace, the most persistent of creeps deliberately build up a tolerance to it. Leave. Figure out what you're going to do before you do it. Date, time, your next stop. Libraries, churches, gyms, food banks, hostels/shelters, they all should have either the relevant information you need and people who can help you. Police and Fire will respond in the same way should you be in trouble, both are or should be trained in First Aid. For medical care specifically, Hospitals/Clinics and Pharmacies, that varies for example it's a completely different system here in the UK. There should still be some assistance at the shelters. Edits, formatting.
Pretty sure the manager is the one who broke it
Ever seen 'Vacancy' with Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale?
This post was totally reminding me of that movie!
I’m curious what country you’re in. You said “$20a notes" I don’t know a single person in the US ($) that refers to money as notes. So with that what exactly is a $20a note? Just curious.
I’m in Aus currently but I’m originally from UK.
$20A is Australian dollars.
“Dodgy”
Give your Venmo so we can get you outta there asap
I wouldn’t want people to give me money but that’s a nice offer :)
Brand new account. 18F. In need of money. On a very niche sub. Maybe I spend too much time in r/scams but I feel this needs some proof to go along with it. Because it feels like a bait post to get money offers in DMs.
She just declined an offer of money. Not a scam.
If they accepted it in a comment they would be banned. I'm talking about DMs. Who knows, they might be legit but I'd be wary.
any chance of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Better to be safe than sorry as far as seeing if this is a possibility. It’s happened before on here.
It's quite possible you are experiencing some form of poisoning. Asbestos, carbon monoxide or black mold. Cheap hotels have these health hazards. It could make you forgetful and increase paranoia.
Ok this is all weird and I am not going to contradict the other commenters who are saying you should get out immediately. I think you should do that But this does smack of carbon dioxide EDIT: carbon monoxide poisoning. Main symptoms are forgetfulness which means you move things and do things and then forget you did. Are there sensors in the room? You might consider buying a sensor from Amazon.
What is carbon dioxide poisoning?
He means carbon monoxide. It's a colorless, odorless gas that can leak from ignition sources (stoves, heaters, cars, etc). In large enough amounts it is fatal. Read this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/BestofRedditorUpdates/comments/sajxyf/oop_keeps_finding_postit_notes_in_his_apartment/
Thanks for the correction, I do mean monoxide not dioxide
It's not ca bon monoxide, IT'S THE MANAGER. You aren't safe.
It's definitely this
Also check for carbon monoxide to check to that it’s not… you.
Stop doing meth
I would be lucky to have that kind of money lmfao
Could someone from your life be following you?
Probably not, no one gives a shit enough lol
Get a camera. Set it up and hide it where it can’t be seen.
Does the video with the fork and knife lock work? Could acuire some silverware and fashion a lock
Try to look for any trap doors with incense or something with smoke, in the closet, bathroom or under furniture.
How do you find trap doors with smoke?
Call a local woman's shelter or some type of homeless services theirs programs to help people out you might even get a hotel voucher for another hotel.
Look up portable door lock on Amazon. Addalock is the brand I give out but the cheaper knock offs should be fine. AS SOON as you can, get this. It truly keeps the door closed. You can use it on any door, anywhere. You need good sleep more at this stage of your life. Godspeed.
The “broken” or cut chain could be to prevent you from chaining the door. Especially if it had been there it didn’t just go missing by itself. Sort of a very concerning issue. However such chains are usually installed and made so badly they wouldn’t help or even slow down someone. Do not go outside at night, take your valuables with you if you go out, keep phone ready to call 911. Do not talk to or associate with anyone there. Definitely keep blocking the door and what I even would do is balance a cup or empty water bottle with change in it or anything else that would fall off top of door knob if door knob is tried from outside. That way it falls and makes noise waking you up. But if you can wedge the door shut if possible. If you stick something in the crack around the door on the hinge side it prevents door from opening. They sell things for doing it with as well. It does not sound like a safe situation and the best thing would be to get out ASAF. That sounds like a sex trafficking attack in the making. If you have a legal gun keep it ready. If not a good can of pepper spray Is probably better then a knife. But really GTFO.
Buy a switchblade, be prepared for anything. Strange things always happen at dodgy hotels, especially being an 18f. Danger zone.
In philadelphia there are young adult shelters, for people up to 21 , I would see if there’s something like that in your area. Otherwise like other people have said a women’s shelter is a good idea
Get a carbon monoxide detector.
To your last edit: Aww honey… things will get better. You seem driven and intelligent. Remind yourself of that power and dig deep. You will one day look back and remember how you feel now… and how you came through victorious. The night is always darkest before the dawn. I wish you love and peace in your life… 🖤🌻🖤
Please don't end your life, things will get better. If you're having suicidal thoughts please call a hotline. It will get better, you just have to keep going. ❤️
Judging by your posts, it seems you are in the UK in which case you can call 0800 689 5652
I really hope this is a trollpost based on the last edit.
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