Stalking Offences Skyrocket Across England and Wales
Recorded stalking offences in England and Wales have surged nearly fiftyfold over the past decade, according to an analysis of House of Commons library data by the Liberal Democrats. Last year, police documented more than 135,000 stalking incidents, a staggering increase from just under 3,000 cases ten years ago. This dramatic rise highlights a growing epidemic of predatory behaviour, with experts pointing to enhanced recognition of the crime and the pervasive use of technology by perpetrators as primary drivers.
Regional Forces Report Massive Increases
Significant upticks have been observed in every region of England and Wales, with some of the largest police forces reporting particularly alarming statistics. The Metropolitan Police recorded 11,798 stalking offences last year, up from a mere 647 a decade ago. Similarly, Greater Manchester Police saw offences escalate from 96 to 10,649 over the same period. These figures underscore the widespread nature of the issue, affecting urban and rural communities alike.
CPS Charges Reach Record Highs
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has also noted a sharp increase in stalking cases leading to charges. From 2,305 charges in 2020-21, the number rose to 6,790 in 2024-25, marking the highest level on record. A CPS spokesperson emphasised the evolving nature of stalking in the digital age, stating, "As more of our lives are lived online, the way stalkers offend is changing. Even when abuse is digital, the harm it causes for victims is very real." In response, the CPS launched its first stalking action plan last month, aimed at equipping prosecutors with tools to tackle digital stalking effectively.
Expert Insights on the Crisis
Jo Silver, interim CEO at the charity SafeLives, highlighted the connection between stalking and domestic abuse, particularly post-separation. "Stalking is often part of domestic abuse, especially after a relationship has ended, and it can be a clear warning sign that risk is escalating," she explained. Silver noted that technology has facilitated new methods of harassment, allowing perpetrators to track and monitor victims remotely. While the rise in recorded offences is concerning, she attributed it partly to improved awareness and changes in police recording practices.
Silver added, "The rise in recorded offences is concerning, but it's likely to reflect a combination of factors, including improved awareness and changes in how these crimes are identified and recorded. What matters now is that the response keeps pace. Stalking needs to be understood as part of a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour, with agencies working together to spot risk early and act quickly."
Calls for Legislative Action
The Liberal Democrats are advocating for the introduction of emergency stalking protection notices, similar to those used in domestic abuse cases, to empower police to take immediate action. Marie Goldman, the party's women and equalities spokesperson, stated, "Stalking causes untold damage to the lives of victims and can have a detrimental impact on both the mental and physical health of individuals, leaving them and their loved ones living in constant fear. These figures show the terrifying scale of the issue here in Britain. We need to stamp out the stalking epidemic which is sweeping the country by ensuring those responsible for this predatory and intimidating behaviour are held accountable and face the full force of the law."
Police Response and Future Measures
A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesperson acknowledged the critical need for early intervention, especially in light of technological advancements that provide new avenues for offenders. "Policing and the wider criminal justice system must recognise the damage and harm perpetrators cause and protect victims at the earliest opportunity," they said. The spokesperson also noted that increased public awareness has contributed to higher reporting rates, prompting improvements in police handling, such as better call handler training and the use of stalking protection orders.
The spokesperson concluded, "We know stalking has been historically under-reported, with the increase in recorded offences in part down to an increase in public awareness of stalking, which is mirrored in an increased awareness and improved response within policing. This includes ensuring the right questions are asked by call handlers to identify stalking early, ensuring stalking protection orders are considered in all stalking cases, and at the earliest opportunity, and ongoing work with the Home Office and Crown Prosecution Service to ensure the whole criminal justice response to stalking is strengthened."
