Stalking across Staffordshire and Cheshire continues to rise

As we launch our stalking special on Rayo, our local police forces tell us cases and reports of stalking crimes are increasing.

Last year alone, Cheshire recorded over 3,100 stalking offence. The county's force also has one of the highest charge rates for stalking and harassment offences nationally. 90% of all stalking recorded by Cheshire involves an ex-partner, domestic abuse (88.13%) and online cyber-crime (66.87%).

In Staffordshire, reports to police for stalking exceeded 4000 last year.

"Stalking is not just a criminal issue - It’s a health crisis."

Stalking has serious psychological and physical effects, often leading to depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disturbances, and paranoia. Many victims confide in health professionals before they ever approach the police, making their role in spotting stalking vital.

Cheshire Constabulary’s Stalking Single Point of Contact, Detective Sergeant Dave Thomason, of the Harm Reduction Unit, said: “In Cheshire we have a dedicated Harm Reduction Unit (HRU) that work with health services, the Probation Service, and victim support agencies to manage risk and protect victims. By collaborating with health professionals, we can identify victims sooner, ensure they receive appropriate support, and intervene earlier to prevent escalation. This helps us investigate and manage stalking cases more effectively, leading to better outcomes for victims and the public.

"I am urging both victims, and their friends and family, to report stalking as early as possible - before it escalates. If you are unsure whether you or a loved one is being stalked, you can use the “Am I Being Stalked?” tool by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust for guidance."

Stalking behaviours to look out for-

Victims, health professionals, and loved ones should be aware of red flags that indicate stalking, including:

• Fixation on your daily routine – this could involve following you, watching your every move, using a tracking device on you or on your vehicle.

• Constant obsessive and repeated communication – endless phone calls, messages, or contacting people known to you.

• Threatening and intimidating behaviour towards you or someone you know – threatening suicide, last resort thinking or sending death threats.

• Repeated unwanted attention or ‘love bombing’ – they could make unannounced visits to your home or workplace, send you unwanted gifts, or make declarations of love constantly.

• Unwanted sexual contact – sexual assault, sexual harassment, unwanted touching.

• Resorts to criminal behaviour to gain your attention or cause fear – they could break into your home or vehicle or cause damage to your property or belongings.

This National Stalking Awareness Week, police forces are supporting the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s theme of ‘Spotting Stalking’-raising awareness of the key role health professionals can play in recognising the signs of stalking early.

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