Detective Chief Inspector Mick Richards said training for officers was improved and said the force was the first in the country to push for Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) to stop offenders. He said: “We are committed to continually improving our understanding of stalking and harassment and our response to it. We want victims to be confident and know we will take all reports seriously.” SPOs can enforce a two year ban on offenders, but as part of the week-long awareness campaign DCI Richards said there are steps victims can take to protect themselves. He said: “In particular, don’t be tempted to block your caller, delete messages or throw away gifts as they could be used as evidence later on.
1,523 crimes of stalking recorded in Lincolnshire in the past year
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Sussex Police offers advice and support during national stalking awareness week
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POLICE are focusing on combating changes in criminal behaviour as part of National Stalking Awareness Week. The force says the pandemic caused stalkers to move online more and expects these changes to be long-term even as lockdown lifts. So, officers are supporting the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and other partners to protect stalking victims. Det Insp Joe Saunders said: “Stalking during the pandemic has changed, with greater reliance on cyber related elements. It has not gone away. The impact on victims of stalking can make them feel isolated. It is important, during the National Stalking Awareness Week to educate on the offence of stalking, make sure victims know they can come forward to the police, and that the offenders of this terrible crime are dealt with. Stalking needs to be unmasked.