Northamptonshire Police encouraging people to report stalkers

Northamptonshire Police are encouraging people to come forward and report offences, using the hashtags #WithoutFear and #NSAD14 to post advice and guidance throughout the day.

This year’s campaign – “Working Without Fear” – also aims to provide advice and information to employers about how they can support staff who disclose stalking behaviour.

Detective Inspector Richard Tompkins of the force’s domestic abuse unit, said: “I would like to encourage anybody who suspects they or somebody they know is a victim of stalking to contact us.

“Since legislation changed in November 2012 to make stalking a criminal offence, we have charged a number of people with stalking, and we take all allegations of this kind extremely seriously.”

National Policing Lead for Stalking and Harassment, Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, said: “The experience of being stalked can destroy the lives of victims. Today’s campaign ‘Working Without Fear’ highlights stalking in the workplace and raises awareness of what employers can do to be vigilant and protect their employees.

“The police want to protect victims and, where possible and appropriate, prosecute offenders.

“Stalking was made a specific offence in 2012, which strengthened police powers enabling us to bring more people to justice. We want to see this legislation being used more by police forces across the country. We are working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to make this happen, through early liaison between police and prosecutors and using evidence checklists to build strong cases.”

For help and advice call the National Stalking Awareness Line on 0808 802 0300