Stalkers fly under the radar: police

STALKING is a dangerous crime but goes severely underreported in Cairns.

Senior Constable Russell Parker said the crime flew under the radar because people chose to “just put up with it” instead of taking evidence to the police.

But, he said stalking, which he defined as one or more concerning acts towards an individual, was becoming easier to commit with mobile phones and social media.

This was the case when a 17year-old Mossman woman was charged with unlawful stalking and using a telecommunication device to menace or harass on Tuesday.

“In the case of the Mossman charges the stalking was over chats and texts,” he said.

“There was a pattern there and that means someone can be charged. It doesn’t take much.”

Snr Const Parker said many people managed to resolve their stalking cases without police involvement.

“It’s quite surprising that it’s as uncommon as it is,” he said.

“A lot of people deal with things like this by their own means, which is probably why it is under-reported.”

He said stalking charges were initially brought into play for cases involving people who were romantically involved.

“When it was first introduced as a charge it was to do with following people and waiting outside their houses, especially after break ups.

“But you don’t need to be in a relationship to be stalked,” he said. “If you are in that situation it’s always good to have screen captures and records. All of that can go towards evidence. Voice messages and call logs can also be evidence.

“So if you do get threats, save them in a folder. Don’t delete them.”

He said anyone who believed they were being stalked in person or through text messages, phone calls, or social media should collect evidence and call the police.

A LOT OF PEOPLE DEAL WITH THINGS LIKE THIS BY THEIR OWN MEANS, WHICH IS PROBABLY WHY IT IS UNDER-REPORTED

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