Stalking reports more than six times a day in Sussex, as figures rise during Covid-19

Home Office data shows Sussex Police recorded 1,255 stalking offences in the six months between April and September last year - an increase of 203 more cases, compared with the same time period in 2019.

As lockdown restrictions eased, a higher number of victims came forward to report stalking, compared to the first lockdown months.

Between July and September last year, 655 such crimes were reported in Sussex – 55 more than the previous three months.

SEE ALSO: Sussex is second highest in country for stalking cases 

It comes after Sussex Police said last month that the force has recorded the highest number of stalking reports for anywhere in the country, apart from London.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Richards of the force's Public Protection Command said officers are "advising and supporting more victims than ever".

Across England and Wales, 44,990 stalking incidents were reported to police between April and September in 2020 – 39 per cent more than in the whole of 2019.

In January 2020, the Home Office introduced Stalking Protection Orders, which ban perpetrators from approaching their victims and may also force them to seek professional help.

READ MORE: Women's safety: crime figures reveal risks women face in Sussex

Sussex Police became the first force in the country to enforce a Stalking Protection Order (SPO) when the law came into effect.

Changes to the way stalking is recorded were also 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 charity said while these changes may have contributed to a rise in reports, there was still significant underreporting of the crime.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Since March 2020 we have seen a rise in calls to the helpline, clients are more distressed and are requiring much greater support, we have also seen an increase in cyber stalking cases.

"Demand has fluctuated to the helpline over the course of the pandemic, in some periods it has tripled on pre-Covid levels.

"The introduction of Stalking Protection Orders has been very much welcomed.

"According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales there are around 1.5 million victims of stalking each year and as such we believe there is still significant underreporting of this crime."

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has described stalking as "an insidious crime that destroys lives".

She said SPOs give victims reassurance their situation is being taken seriously "by allowing police officers to take swift and decisive action against perpetrators and put restrictions in place".

"It also means officers can then enforce any breaches where necessary, thus providing added protection for victims", she said.

READ MORE: Brighton stalking victim talks about her experience

Sussex Police said: "Our proactive patrols and neighbourhood teams are constantly in communities, alert for suspicious activity and targeting offenders.

"We have dedicated teams who support victims of stalking, as well as domestic abuse and sexual offences.

"Through multi-agency co-operation and use of legislation such as the new Stalking Protection Orders we are always looking for more opportunities to stop offenders."

Victims can report stalking or harassment online or by calling police on 101, or in person at a police station.

The National Stalking Helpline provides advice to current or former victims of stalking or harassment, on 0808 802 0300.