SOBERING statistics have shown the scale of stalking offences in West Yorkshire, with figures recorded in a six-month period more than double the amount recorded during the whole previous year. 

Home Office data shows that between April and September last year, West Yorkshire Police recorded 2,453 stalking offences, while in the 12 months to March 2020, there were 1,142.

As lockdown restrictions eased, a higher number of victims also came forward to report stalking, compared to the first lockdown months. Between July and September, 1,349 such crimes were reported in West Yorkshire – 245 more than the previous three months. Across England and Wales, 44,990 stalking incidents were reported to police between April and September – 39 per cent more than in the whole of 2019-20. 

Changes to the way stalking is recorded were introduced in April 2019, with the crime being recorded in addition to the most serious offence involving the same victim or offender.

Since April 2020, all cases of harassment reported between ex-partners must also be recorded as stalking, unless the police are satisfied stalking is not a factor.

However, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which runs the National Stalking Helpline, said that while these changes may have contributed to a rise in reports, there was still significant underreporting of the crime.

West Yorkshire Police also believes stalking is underreported and the actual number of offences will be higher.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Raw, from West Yorkshire’s Safeguarding Central Governance Unit, said dedicated training for officers and control room staff has been put in place to better identify cases of stalking.

He added: “We also regularly review cases and continue to work closely with the CPS to secure the best outcomes for victims.

"Similar to other polices forces nationally, over the last year we have seen an increase in the number of stalking offences recorded; much of this increase relates to improvements in crime recording practices by the Force and also increased confidence by victims to come forward and report these offences to police.

“Over the last two years processes to review domestic abuse risk assessments have highlighted further cases of stalking and all ex-partner harassment reports are now recording as stalking. 

“However, we accept this is an under-reported crime and the actual number of offences will be higher.

“Our communities should feel reassured that we and our partner agencies will provide the support and help they need. Whenever there is evidence of a crime we will always do our best to find the most appropriate outcome for the victim, in what can be very distressing situations."

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust said it had also seen an increase in cyber stalking cases, which DCI Raw described as an “insidious offence which can ruin lives” and said: "We would always encourage victims to contact us and also make use of any tools available on social media and dating  websites to block offenders from making contact, and flag harassment. 

"Android and iPhone software also allows users to block unwanted contact from persons.”

Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins said Stalking Protection Orders were introduced last year to crack down on the “deeply distressing” crime. 

“These orders are designed to stop perpetrators at the earliest opportunity and prevent them contacting victims - for those who refuse to be rehabilitated, we have doubled maximum sentences for stalking and harassment to 10 years,” she said. 

"The Home Office also part-funds the National Stalking Helpline and has allocated £211,000 to stalking-focused charities to help them to deal with the consequences of the pandemic.

"The increased reporting in this instance demonstrates greater public awareness around stalking offences and the commitment of the police to tackle this abhorrent crime."