Stalking incidents and breaches of stalking protection orders from 2019 to 2021

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.023802

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. How many incidents of stalking have been recorded in your force area in the last three reporting years for which figures are available? If you do not have three years of data, or if providing three years would take too long to collate, please provide the latest 12-month period for which figures are available. I don't mind whether it's financial years, calendar years, or other 12-month periods.

2. How many stalking protection orders have been issued by your police force in the last three reporting years for which figures are available? If you do not have three years of data, or if providing three years would take too long to collate, please provide the latest 12-month period for which figures are available. I don't mind whether it's financial years, calendar years, or other 12-month periods.

3. How many breaches of a stalking protection order have been recorded in your police force area in the last three reporting years for which figures are available? If you do not have three years of data, or if providing three years would take too long to collate, please provide the latest 12-month period for which figures are available. I don't mind whether it's financial years, calendar years, or other 12-month periods.”

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

RISE IN STALKING OFFENCES
The rise in stalking offences can be partially attributed to a change in the Home Office counting rules in April 2020. This followed recommendations made by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) which saw all harassment offences occurring within the context of domestic abuse being classified as stalking offences.

CONTEXT
We fully understand how stalking heightens concerns about violence against women and girls. We are particularly aware 80 per cent of stalking victims have been female, however we will continue to do everything we can to provide support to all victims of stalking.

Stalkers terrorise victims over and over again, leaving them struggling to feel safe. We want to help victims of stalking to report their perpetrator, we want them to feel safe and relaxed again without having their lives manipulated by one person. Everyone has a right to feel safe in London.

We have seen a stark rise in the number of stalking cases during the past year with more than 1,000 cases per month, compared with 200 cases per month prior to April 2020. More victims may have come forward following a greater intolerance of stalking in society.

Stalking has changed, in 2020-21, 100 per cent of the 22,676 victims who contacted The National Stalking Helpline reported the presence of a cyber-element by stalkers. Cyber-stalking is no longer a niche crime or an emerging threat – it is what stalking is today.

The Met continues to be a key partner in the Stalking Threat Assessment Centre (STAC) which aims to reduce reoffending and improve public safety. It works to increase early intervention to reduce the risk of offenders becoming violent and improve our response to victims.

Police officers, alongside mental health specialists, probation officers and victim advocates are based at the STAC. They offer expert advice to local officers in relation to stalking allegations, identifying risks, and assisting with management plans to protect the victim and public from the stalker. The team also identify perpetrators who may be suitable to undertake a behaviour change programme. These individuals may also be referred to other community services, where appropriate. The National Probation Service work alongside officers to manage the ongoing risk such offenders pose to the community and to their victim.

To get stalking advice and help visit suzylamplugh.org or call 0808 802 0300. In an emergency always dial 999.