How to spot 'red flag' behaviour of potential stalkers

Wiltshire Police have worked with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) on a two-minute romantic comedy style film which tells the story of a seemingly happy couple, until the relationship ends and escalates into stalking.

The film urges people to recognise a pattern of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated contact, which does not have to involve the threat of violence, to keep a log of evidence and report it to the police.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper said: “This campaign is encouraging victims and their families to spot the signs of stalking, how to report it and get support from organisations across Wiltshire and Swindon.

“Stalking is an intrusive crime, victims are endlessly harassed, their private lives completely intruded. The dangers of stalking should not be overlooked. Stalkers can change their behaviours and as they do, the risk to victims increases.

“We hope that any victims who see this campaign know they can report to us or seek support from FearFree or Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service. At Wiltshire Police we work hard with partners to protect victims and pursue perpetrators.

Wiltshire Police stalking campaign warns of fixated, obsessed, unwanted and repeated behaviour (Image: Wiltshire Police)

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has recently funded a new Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (ISAC) and has continued to fund a specialist court Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) which supports victims through the criminal justice system.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson added: “The seriousness of stalking and the damaging effects it has on victims has been highlighted recently in the media with several hit series being based on real-life, high-profile cases.

“With this heightened public interest and awareness of stalking, we must ensure that victims of these incredibly invasive crimes are being encouraged to report behaviours that fit into the FOUR framework to Wiltshire Police, as well as having access to the best support available through our work with organisations such as FearFree, Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, Horizon and Victim Support – regardless of whether or not they’ve reported a crime to the police.

“We’re already taking steps to do that, and the OPCC have recently run stalking workshops which enabled organisations who work with victims to come together and share ideas and talk about how we can achieve best practice.

“This along with working closely with the force to ensure better internal training for officers and raising awareness of the impact of stalking will contribute towards improving the experience of victims – a clear priority in my police and crime plan.”

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, often known as ‘Clare’s Law’, allows any member of the public to ask the police if their partner, or a close friend or family member’s partner, may pose a risk to them.

Some warning signs may include:

• Getting unexpected visits to your home or place of work.

• Having persistent phone calls, messages or contact over social media.

• Receiving unwanted gifts or items turning up at your address.

• Someone interferes with or damages your property, or breaking into your home.

• Someone hanging around where they know you visit.

• The stalker contacts your family, friends and colleagues to gain information about you, or make complaints.

• You receive verbal abuse and/or public humiliation.

• Hacking into your social media or your emails.

• Spreading rumours/discrediting you.

• Threats made against you, your family and your friends.

• You are blackmailed.

• The stalker seeks physical proximity by applying for jobs where you work, joining the same gym, church, professional/social sports groups or clubs, moving into the same neighbourhood or building.