Dramatic rise in reported stalking cases in N.Wales

POLICE SAY VICTIMS NOW MORE CONFIDENT IN COMING FORWARD

STALKING cases across North Wales have risen dramatically in the last two years.

Between 2014 and the latest figures for 2019, there were a total of 621 suspected cases recorded by North Wales Police (NWP).

But the data showed a stark rise from 2017, where there were 81, to 252 in 2018, with 96 so far in 2019, figures from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed.

Previously in 2014, there were 42; in 2015, 31; and in 2016, 44, recorded by North Wales Police.

But only about one in four resulted in somebody being charged or receiving a summons during that period, the statistics showed.

According to the data, 81 people were charged with stalking, while 31 were charged with an alternate offence. Thirteen were summoned, with a further 21 summonsed or receiving a postal requisition on an alternate charge.

In many cases - 186, the suspect was identified, but the victim did not back, or withdrew support, from police investigations, resulting in no charges.

In a further 116 cases, the victim supported the inquiry, but there were evidential difficulties to bring a charge.

Stalking offences could be categorised as including racial or religious elements, a fear of violence and causing serious alarm or distress.

NWP chiefs say the increase is down to changes in recording methods and victims having more confidence coming forward.

Det Chief Insp Jackie Downes said: “The rise in figures reflects the changes in recording methods and the confidence people have in reporting this offence which has rightly received more high profile publicity in recent years.

“Victims should contact North Wales Police in the assurance that they will be treated professionally and with sensitivity and supported by domestic abuse officers.”

Earlier this year NWP backed National Stalking Awareness Week by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, set up after the 25-year-old estate agent disappeared while showing a client round a house in Fulham in July 1986.

The trust says: “The absence of violence in a stalking case doesn’t mean the victim is unaffected.

“Stalking can cause severe psychological distress to a victim.

“Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, paranoia, agoraphobia and post-traumatic stress disorder are all common side effects of stalking.”