Stalking is being highlighted as a serious crime by Northamptonshire Police
The Force says every report is taken seriously, and help is available
Northamptonshire Police is calling for heightened awareness and prompt reporting of stalking, an offence they say comes with grave consequences for victims and their communities.
Stalking follows the pattern of FOUR – Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted, and Repeated – and may appear both online and offline.
Common behaviours include persistent unwanted messaging, repeated calls, following, unexpected appearances at a person's home or workplace, sending unwanted gifts, social media surveillance, hacking, and other forms of intrusive communication.
Although anyone can be affected by stalking, women and girls experience a disproportionate impact, constituting about 40% of police-recorded violence against women and girls offences.
Statistics reveal that one in seven people will encounter stalking at some point in their lives, with victims frequently enduring multiple incidents before seeking help.
Detective Inspector Richard Cheshire, the stalking lead at Northamptonshire Police, emphasised the harm caused by stalking and the importance of taking reports seriously: “Stalking is never harmless. It is an intrusive, fixated pattern of behaviour that causes significant fear and distress, and in some cases can escalate to serious harm. We want victims to know that every report to Northamptonshire Police is taken seriously, no matter how small the behaviour may seem at first. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Please contact us – we are here to help.”
Northamptonshire Police continues to bolster its response to stalking through enhanced training, aiding officers in identifying behaviours, understanding the impact on victims, and implementing protective measures like Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs). Collaborating closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and local partners, the force aims to safeguard victims and ensure a coordinated response.
Taking action against stalking
Individuals experiencing stalking are encouraged by Northamptonshire Police to thoroughly document incidents and report their concerns. Suggested actions include maintaining a log of occurrences, saving messages or online evidence, noting witnesses, and protecting personal information online.
For those not yet prepared to contact police, confidential advice and support is available from the National Stalking Helpline. More comprehensive guidance on identifying and addressing stalking is accessible through national specialist organisations via Northamptonshire Police resources.
Reporting stalking
In emergency situations, dial 999 immediately.
For non-emergencies, reach out by calling 101 or submit a report online at www.northants.police.uk .