Anti-stalking unit to cover Halton first
HALTON is one of two areas to be covered in a groundbreaking antistalking initiative being launched in the North West.
Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner David Keane has signed an agreement for Cheshire to work with the Metropolitan Police, Hampshire Police and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust (SLT) charity to support victims and manage perpetrators.
Police Transformation Fund cash is being used to set up an anti-stalking unit run by Cheshire Constabulary and North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
It is the first of its kind in the North West.
A spokeswoman for Mr Keane said an experienced team of police officers, mental health professionals, outreach workers and victim advocates will work together to assess each stalking allegation on a case-by-case basis before deciding on a suit- able intervention.
She said they will discuss the best course of action and advise on whether psychological interventions, social support or legal sanctions are needed.
The unit will offer victims one-to-one support while working with the perpetrator to manage the risk of further harm to the victim and other residents.
It is based in Warrington and initially focusing its work on Halton and Warrington.
Lessons learned will be shared around the county and with other forces.
Recorded stalking and harassment offences in Halton rocketed by 80% in 2017-18.
They were a staggering 20 times higher than 10 years ago.
Mr Keane said: “I am proud that Cheshire Constabulary is one of only three forces nationally to receive this funding from the Police Transformation Fund to deliver this ground-breaking stalking project.
“Stalking is a complex crime which needs to be dealt with in the correct way to protect victims and manage the risks caused by perpetrators.
“Working with our colleagues in the Metropolitan and Hampshire Police and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, this funding will allow us to carry out ground-breaking work to explore a range of interventions to tackle stalking at its root cause and reduce repeat offending.”
Rachel Griffin, Suzy Lamplugh Trust chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to be working with partners in Cheshire on this innovative project to support victims of stalking and develop intervention programmes for perpetrators.
“At Suzy Lamplugh Trust, we are committed to protecting victims of stalking and, by working with perpetrators, we hope to reduce re-offending. ●
“Stalking is a crime of obsession which can have devastating and grave consequences for victims.
“This project aims to break the cycle of obsession, fixation and harm.
“It’s exciting to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking piece of work with colleagues from Cheshire, Hampshire and London: our hope is that we can reduce the impact that stalking has on victims.”