Increase in public confidence leads to more stalking offences being reported

The number of stalking offences being reported to Wiltshire Police has increased by 50% since running an in-depth campaign last summer.

Statistics show this increase in reporting when compared to the previous 12 months to the end of March 24 (566), with those at the end of March 25 (850).

The rolling 12-month arrest rate, which is worked out by dividing the number of arrests made by recorded crimes,  has also continued to demonstrate an upward trend, with Mar-24 sitting at 47% (266 arrests), and the last 12 months being 5.6% higher than the previous 12 months (447 arrests).  

The release of figures mark the end of National Stalking Awareness Week (April 21-27), and reflect the work carried out by Wiltshire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to educate on the 'red flags' which are common in the early stages of stalking but are sometimes misidentified as harmless or even desirable behaviours.

Work carried out internally has also contributed to the increase, with officers and staff being given more training on how to identify stalking and unwanted, and obsessive behaviours, earlier on.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “The seriousness of stalking and the damaging effects it has on victims has been highlighted over the past year in the media with several television series being based on real-life, high-profile cases.

“This, along with the extensive campaign by my office and Wiltshire Police, has raised the profile of what stalking is – and how seriously forces take these reports - over the past year. We can see this reflected in the increase in reported stalking rates.

“We want the public to feel confident enough in Wiltshire Police to report behaviour that is putting you or another person in danger.

“However, if you don’t feel able to speak to the police there are many other organisations that can help you. My office funds a range of support services including Horizon, Paragon and Victim Support, as well as a dedicated Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker at FearFree. Ensuring the victim is at the heart of our policing priorities is key to making Wiltshire safer.”

Nationally, 1 in 5 women will be a victim of stalking and 1 in 11 men with victims often experiencing more than 100 incidents before reporting to authorities. Wiltshire Police wants victims to report sooner with the knowledge that they will be listened to and supported.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire Smith from Wiltshire Police said: “The unwanted, repeated attention from a stalker can have serious impacts on a victim’s physical and mental health. We know that it can force people to make significant changes to their daily life, such as changes jobs or needing to move home.

“It is a serious offence, leading to fear and anxiety for the victim. We also know that it can escalate into physical harm or worse.

“The increase in recording this type of crime and arrest numbers reflects the amount of work that we have done so far to raise awareness of stalking, the behaviour which amounts to stalking and the dangers associated with it.

“However, we know there is always more to do, and we will continue to work to highlight the impact of stalking and what the signs are.

“Please remember, if you feel a person’s behaviour is putting you or a friend or family member in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.

“The stats show that many victims can sometimes experience more than 100 incidents of stalking before reporting it.  Don’t leave it this long – please report it sooner so we can take appropriate action.

“If you don't feel confident speaking to the police, there are many other agencies that can help you. 

“There are also several personal safety apps have been created to align with phones, ranging from alarms and camera activations to emergency contact sharing and access to live 24/7 Personal Safety Specialists.”