Police pledge action as reports of stalking rise

Last year a total of 224 people reported being stalked or harassed to West Mercia Police.

So far this year, a further, 53 have made allegations, with 26 being in Shropshire.

The 2015 figure is far higher than previous years. In 2013 there were just 66 reports in the West Mercia area, rising to 81 in 2014.

The figures, gained through a Freedom of Information Act, show that in total there have been 427 allegations in the last four years,153 of them coming from Shropshire. Of those 153, 141 reports came from women, 11 were from men and one was made anonymously.

West Mercia Police today assured the public it takes stalking and harassment "extremely seriously".

The force said laws around stalking changed in 2012, which could be the reason behind the increase in reports.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Moxley, said: "We are committed to investigating information reported to us.

"We believe the rise in the number of reports demonstrates an increase in victims' confidence to come forward and we commend those who have reported these distressing offences.

"When looking at the figures, we must also take into account that until 2012, stalking offences were recorded nationally under Harassment Legislation rather than a specific Stalking Legislation.

"Therefore the increase in reports may also be a result of this change in how the offences are recorded.

"We would always encourage and urge victims of stalking to report offences to us so we can carefully and appropriately respond to their concerns.

"Anyone who suspects they are being stalked or has been a victim of stalking should always contact police and not suffer in silence.

"We have specially trained officers and police staff who are able to help and ensure offenders are brought to justice."

The cases include that of Adrian Morgan, 44, of Yockleton, Shrewsbury, who was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison in 2014 for stalking a woman.

He subjected the woman to to three months of stalking between March 17 and July 23 in 2014, where he was sending her bunches of flowers, turning up unannounced at the her place of work and parent's house, as well as going through her underwear draw.

People who believe they are being stalked should call police on the non emergency number 101.

Alternatively, victims of this type of offence may wish to contact the National Stalking Hotline on 0808 802 0300 who will be also be able to offer advice and assistance.