Thousands of stalking crimes recorded in Sussex

Thousands of stalking crimes have been recorded in Sussex in recent years – but few victims will see their stalkers punished, figures suggest.

Home Office data shows police forces across England and Wales recorded nearly 100,000 stalking crimes in 2020-21.

Of those, 2,420 were investigated by Sussex Police.

The force has recorded 8,755 such offences since records began in 2014-15, including 1,199 between April and September last year – the latest available figures.

Nationally, 98,544 stalking offences were reported to police in 2020-21 – the first year of new guidance requiring all cases of harassment reported between ex-partners to be recorded as stalking, unless the police were satisfied stalking was not a factor.

In comparison, there were 33,006 stalking crimes the previous year.

Forces across England and Wales had already recorded 60,000 offences in the six months to September 2021.

The National Police Chiefs' Council lead for stalking and harassment, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills, said improved police response, increased reporting and more understanding of the extent of stalking behaviour had contributed to the national rise in recorded crimes.

But the Suzy Lamplugh Trust says while recent changes in law and procedures may have influenced the stark rise, stalking remains significantly underreported.

The anti-stalking charity and the NPCC have urged victims to report their "life-changing" experiences and access support.

However, separate figures show that many victims whose cases are investigated are unlikely to see justice done.

In January 2020, the Government introduced Stalking Protection Orders, which place conditions on a stalker's behaviour and allow police to intervene early to protect victims.

Figures which only cover the first year of the new powers show Sussex Police applied for 41 SPOs. In that time, 20 were issued, along with 34 interim orders, which can be made pending the outcome of a full application if there's an immediate risk of harm.

One application might lead to more than one order being applied, the Home Office cautioned.

Different Home Office figures show that 1,741 – 80% – of stalking cases closed by the force during 2020-21 were dropped due to difficulties gathering evidence, while 190 (9%)resulted in a charge or summons.