Stalking surge: technology fuels alarming rise in recorded offences
A chilling trend is gripping England and Wales: the number of stalking offences reported to police has exploded over the past decade, revealing a disturbing escalation in predatory behaviour. The surge, documented in data from the House of Commons library and analyzed by the Liberal Democrats, points to a stark reality – a landscape where technology has inadvertently empowered abusers and amplified the terror experienced by victims.
The numbers tell a grim story
Just ten years ago, police recorded fewer than 3,000 stalking offences. Last year alone, that number ballooned to over 135,000. This isn’t a localized anomaly; significant increases have been observed across every region of England and Wales. The Metropolitan Police, for example, witnessed a staggering climb from 647 recorded offences in 2013 to 11,798 in 2023. Greater Manchester Police’s figures are equally unsettling, jumping from a mere 96 to a shocking 10,649 over the same timeframe. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reflects this surge as well, with charges increasing from 2,305 in 2020-21 to a record high of 6,790 in 2024-25.
Digital shadows and escalating risk
The CPS acknowledges the evolving nature of stalking in the digital age. “As more of our lives are lived online, the way stalkers offend is changing,” a spokesperson stated. While abuse may manifest digitally, the psychological harm inflicted upon victims remains profound. The CPS recently launched its first stalking action plan, a direct response to this shifting threat, partnering with technology and trauma experts to equip prosecutors with the necessary tools.
But the problem extends beyond online harassment. According to the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, nearly half of those seeking help from their specialist helpline are stalked by an ex-partner – a painful reminder that stalking is frequently intertwined with domestic abuse and often serves as a dangerous precursor to further violence. Jo Silver, interim CEO at SafeLives, emphasizes that “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.”
A call for stronger protections
The Liberal Democrats are advocating for emergency stalking protection notices, mirroring those used for domestic abuse, to grant police more immediate power to intervene. While improved awareness and revised identification methods contribute to the increase in recorded offences, Silver cautions that “the response needs to keep pace.” Understanding stalking as part of a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour, coupled with collaborative efforts among agencies to identify risk early, is paramount. Marie Goldman, the Liberal Democrats' women and equalities spokesperson, highlights the devastating impact of stalking, leaving victims and their families “living in constant fear.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council recognizes the damage inflicted by perpetrators and the need to protect victims promptly. They emphasize prevention and early intervention as crucial steps in curbing this alarming behaviour. The spokesperson noted that the rising awareness of stalking, both among the public and within policing, has led to more accurate identification and reporting. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum and ensure the criminal justice system is fully prepared to confront this escalating threat. The figures paint a stark picture: over 135,000 lives disrupted, countless families living in fear—and the numbers are only climbing.