41 stalker reports as new law begins

MORE than 40 cases of stalking have been reported to Lothian and Borders Police since a new law made it a specific criminal offence, new figures revealed today.

Stalkers were accused of carrying out a sustained campaign of harassment against their victims, who included two 17-years-olds and a 71-year-old.

Out of the 41 cases recorded in the force area in the eight months between January and October last year, all but one of the victims was a woman.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A total of 28 cases have been classified as “solved”, with a suspect reported to the procurator fiscal under the stalking law, brought into force in December 2010.

Campaigners supporting victims today praised the work of police in tackling the problem, but said it was now up to the courts to mount successful prosecutions and deal out punishments as a deterrent.

Ann Mould, founder of Action Scotland Against Stalking, said: “The law has all the hallmarks of being an effective piece of legislation, but this is still only the tip of the iceberg.

“The police are still trying to get officers trained in recognising stalking behaviour, but the arrests show that the legislation is starting to do what it says on the tin.

“I think we will still see a big rise in the figures in the future because there is now more awareness. Before stalking was not recognised as an offence so victims were not confident about coming forward. And when they did make reports and no action was taken, it often led to an escalation in the behaviour by the perpetrators. That made reporting very risky.

“Some victims have said the psychological effects were such torture that they want to be physically assaulted just so the police become involved.”

The Government created the offence of engaging in threatening, alarming or distressing behaviour, which includes harassment over cyberspace or through texting.

In the force area, the 41 stalking cases have seen accused calling, texting, following, or loitering beside their victims, while some have sent unsolicited letters, e-mails or gifts.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A police spokesman said the force was committed to ensuring stalkers are “swiftly brought to justice”. He added: “The emotional and psychological damage done to a stalking victim can last for a considerable period of time, potentially altering how victims go about living their daily lives.”

Victims of stalking can also make a report through the police remote reporting scheme by visiting the force website at http://www.lbp.police.uk/contact_us/remote_crime_reporting.aspx,

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “Scotland is the only part of the UK with a specific stalking offence following legislation brought in last year and the early signs are that these new laws are working well in Edinburgh and elsewhere in Scotland.”