Dorset beauty queen warns women to know the signs of stalking
Latest figures show stalking offences are reaching record highs in Dorset
A former beauty queen from Dorset wants other women to watch out for the signs of stalking after a 2 year ordeal that made her afraid to leave the house.
27-year-old Samantha Bumford’s stalker was jailed in 2019 for 23 weeks, after he cornered her on her way to work, telling her to unblock him from social media.
It comes as the number of offences here in Dorset reach record highs.
Home Office data shows that the number of stalking offences recorded in the six months between April and September by Dorset Police, is already 33% higher than the amount recorded during the whole previous year.
The force recorded 560 stalking offences between April and September – in the 12 months to March 2020 there were 421. Figures for harassment dropped comparing the same time periods from 1155 in 2019 to 961 in 2020.
It means that in the first six months since the coronavirus pandemic hit, stalking was reported three times a day on average.
Samantha told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset women should know the signs:
“I do wish, and next time I will, I wish I had said ‘Thank you for your support but this is getting too much now.
“My advice very much is, please take it from me, do not take it as someone’s being lovely and friendly like I did. Please be so careful.
“I’d go to the police instantly. The minute someone stalks you, and that is unwanted contact even if it’s one message when you think ‘oh, that’s a bit off, honestly I would message them and I would say ‘I feel a little bit uncomfortable, please don’t say that’
“If they carry on call the police.”
As lockdown restrictions eased, a higher number of victims came forward to report stalking, compared to the first lockdown months. Between July and September, 331 such crimes were reported in Dorset – 102 more than the previous three months.
Detective Superintendent Jim Beashel, of Dorset Police, said:
“The impact this type of crime can have on a victim can be devastating and long-lasting.
“We treat all reports of stalking seriously and it is a priority for the Force to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Dorset Police works closely with partners and other agencies to encourage reporting and to support victims. The Dorset Stalking Clinic sees core agencies working together with the aim of sharing detailed information to ensure the best possible practice is followed in relation to safeguarding and crime prevention.
“We are continuing to raise awareness of stalking offences with our staff and officers to ensure that victims are listened to, supported, and investigations are conducted as effectively as possible. All new recruits are trained in dealing with stalking and harassment offences.
“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of stalking to have the confidence to come forward and contact Dorset Police. We are here to help and have officers trained to support you.
“If you’re experiencing persistent and unwanted attention, and the behaviour is making you feel fearful, harassed or anxious, then please contact Dorset Police online at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”