Over 50% rise in stalking crimes reported to Lincolnshire Police
Over 1,500 incidents were logged in the year to March
We can reveal there's been an over 50% increase in the number of stalking crimes reported to Lincolnshire Police over the past year.
In the year to March more than 1,500 incidents were logged.
Sophie Lavender was a victim when she was just 15 years old, she thinks lockdown is one of the reasons for the rise.
"I was followed from the bus stop home and had pictures take of me.
"It was very, very distressing.
"When my anxiety is bad I become very hyper aware of my surroundings, bearing in mind that the stalking incident happened 10 years ago and I still feel like this now.
"So the effects of being stalked psychologically have lasted a decade."
The force say figures may have increased due to a change in recording methods.
Lincolnshire Police has joined the nation in raising awareness of stalking.
It's looking to highlight how people can get the help and support they need.
One in five women and one in ten men have experienced stalking at some point since the age of 16.
It says to look out for the FOUR signs of stalking.
The behaviour of a stalker is:
- Fixated
- Obsessive
- Unwanted
- Repeated
Detective Superintendent Martyn Parker said it's vital the crime is treated as a priority
“Stalking is defined by fixation and obsession.
"A victim is likely to feel vulnerable and isolated, feelings which will, no doubt, have been compounded by the restrictions faced over the last year."
The National Stalking Prevention Week begins today and runs until 23 April.
The force wants to raise awareness of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs).
It means officers are able to immediately arrest anyone breaching an SPO and this could result in up to five years imprisonment.
Detective Superintendent Martyn Parker said SPOs are a vital safeguarding tool.
"SPOs offer an effective means of managing a suspect through use of prohibitions and requirements.
“SPOs allow an opportunity for early intervention in a stalking case, before the criminal threshold is met, and can also be used at any point during the course of an investigation up to the point of conviction.
"Our officers will consider applying for an SPO at the start of each stalking investigation, be it a case against a former partner, family member or stranger.
"A person who breaches an SPO without reasonable excuse commits a criminal offence and we are committed to take proactive and urgent action where this is the case.”