Sussex stalking awareness campaign: Police advice for victims

The force received the reports and said it is “determined” to support victims.

As part of National Stalking Awareness Week the police and Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne want to raise awareness of the issue.

There has been a 100 per cent rise in reports in the past three years, with more victims coming forward.

It follows the force’s efforts to improve how it handles stalking cases following the horrific murder of Shana Grice in Mile Oak in 2016.

Michael Lane had been reported for stalking six years earlier but faced no action, and when Ms Grice reported her concerns she was prosecuted for wasting police time.

She was then murdered by Lane, who was jailed for life in 2017.

Sussex Police recorded 13,324 reports of offences involving stalking in 2020.

Read more on The Argus:

• Stalker reported six years before murder of Shana Grice

• Paul Hemmingway spied on ex-wife in bed in 'sinister' stalking campaign

• Brighton stalker Jamie Spears waited for 45 minutes in garden shed to speak with model

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Richards said training for officers was improved and said the force was the first in the country to push for Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) to stop offenders.

He said: “We are committed to continually improving our understanding of stalking and harassment and our response to it. We want victims to be confident and know we will take all reports seriously.”

SPOs can enforce a two year ban on offenders, but as part of the week-long awareness campaign DCI Richards said there are steps victims can take to protect themselves.

He said: “In particular, don’t be tempted to 'block' your caller, delete messages or throw away gifts as they could be used as evidence later on.

“This might include audio recordings, films or pictures, copies of emails, text messages, screenshots and similar material. You can also keep a log of all the incidents that have occurred.

"Always report it. Getting help early will assist in protecting you.”

Worried Woman Stalked by a Man.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, said: "The continued rise in cyberstalking over the last year has been a real cause for concern with stalkers adapting to the restrictions of the pandemic and developing their digital skills to track and torment their victims.

“The theme for this week is ‘Stalking Unmasked’ and I think this is apt as we all begin to transition out of lockdown.”

She said there is a risk that online obsessions may pose new risks to people in their lives as lockdown restrictions are eased.

“With many victims receiving over 100 text messages,emails, or phone calls a day during lockdown months, we know that these strong fixations could escalate and have a more sinister outcome,” she said.

Mrs Bourne said there are four signs of stalking to look out for, including if behaviour is “fixated, obsessive, unwanted or repeated” (FOUR).

“It is important not to suffer in silence,” she added.

To report stalking visit the Sussex Police website or call 101. In an emergency dial 999.