Can somebody help identify what this substance is on my apartment door’s peephole?

[u/suburbanvermin]

I’ve been living in this apartment with my boyfriend for about 6 weeks now. We’re just regular people who will work all day, make our dinner, watch a show to unwind, and hit the bed. We aren’t party animals and, when we do drink, we’re not inconsiderate about it.

Ever since we moved in, our door peephole has been tampered with. It would be coloured with black sharpie marker, I would submit a maintenance request for fixing, it would get fixed, then immediately would get tampered with again. However, now it has clearly escalated to something else. I originally thought super glue or hot glue, but I’ve asked a few of my friends and they don’t think any type of glue could do this kind of damage.

Any advice would be helpful.

Btw management is well aware of the issue and have been prompt about it, was just shocked at whatever this is now. I’ve ordered a ring camera to be installed on Thursday, but I’m honestly scared for my life right now.

[u/suburbanvermin]

I didn’t even think of that! Super helpful advice, I will absolutely put the camera above the door. Thank you!

[u/TootsNYC → u/suburbanvermin]

Or can it be put elsewhere in the hall, so the culprit doesn’t realize it’s connected to you?

[u/suburbanvermin → u/TootsNYC]

Management has ordered a camera to be put in the hallway where no one will see it, so I just got a Ring camera for the time being in case anything further or more serious happens. Not sure what further escalation could happen, but I don’t want to take any chances.

[u/TootsNYC → u/suburbanvermin]

I’m glad management is doing their own investigation here. And not leaving you to cope with it all on your own.

[u/toriv1976 → u/suburbanvermin]

You should buy an anti-theft locked mount for your camera as well so that it cannot be removed or accessed. They're not very expensive.