has anyone ever had a situation where someone seems to be trying to copy everything you do (albeit in a very poor and amateurish fashion!)? At what point does the "imitaion= flattery" theory become "stalking" that needs more serious legal redress??

My ex neighbours were always doing this, no matter what I said I was going to do you can guarantee they would then do.  I got so fed up with this that I told them I was having my house decorated while I was away (purple emulsion and lime green gloss in the hallway) - the idea being I'd have changed my mind but forgotten to say anything to them.  You can imagine my surprise (!) when I saw them a few weeks later and saw they'd painted their hallway those exact same colours.

It was tiresome, irritating and on occasion downright creepy but luckily it never became anymore than that.  I should add my neighbours weren't all there and I'm not entirely sure they were actually capable of having an independent thought.

It goes from flattery to stalking Sam when you feel uncomfortable, worried and spooked out by it, then you need to have a word yourself, (if it is happening to you) ask a friend to or cut them from your life altogether.

Or if it goes to degrees beyond the norm, the police or a solicitor can help, the person may well just not know how far they are going, or may have a mental problem which needs addressing.

hmmm yes i think your right carrington. its not someone i personally know, just someone whose been brought to my attention because of what they appear to be doing.... and certainly not someone i wish to talk to as their behaviour over related matters has been very unprofessional.........just something ive noticed them doing over last few months.....and yes its getting to point i think legal redress could be answer!

Ohh dear!  Hope that things get sorted out.

I do have a sister in law who copies everything we do from home decor to clothes, it really winds me up

Your situation sounds more serious though so maybe a letter from a solicitor or a warning from the police is the best way forward.