Force continues to tackle stalking as Government announces plans to better support victims

Bedfordshire Police has made 21 arrests in connection to stalking and harassment offences, since the start of a campaign to tackle domestic abuse, as government announces plans for better support for victims. 

Since the start of 16 Days of Action, which launched on 25 November, a dedicated operation targeting outstanding domestic abuse suspects has seen a total of 60 people arrested, with 21 of them relating to stalking and harassment. 

Today (Tuesday), the government announced plans to give greater protection to victims of stalking and harassment. The changes will see victims have the right to know who their stalker is, as well as a full review of the current stalking legislation. 

This year Bedfordshire Police introduced the Stalking Prevention & Intervention Unit (SPIU), a team which reviews all cases where stalking is involved, and ensures victims are given the correct level of support through the investigation. 

Since the start of the year, officers from across the force have secured more than 150 charges against individuals and made 215 stalking related arrests. 

One of the government changes is the implementation of Stalking Protection Orders at the earliest available opportunity, ensuring perpetrators are unable to contact victims from behind bars. 

In Bedfordshire, officers have already doubled the number of Stalking Protection Orders issued since last year, and the force are continuing to utilise all powers to protect victims. 

Detective Superintendent, Emma Pitts, who leads the force’s response to domestic abuse, said: “In Bedfordshire, we understand the vast mental and physical impact stalking has on victims, the risk perpetrators pose and how behaviours can rapidly escalate. 

“We are working hard to ensure we always get the best possible outcome for our victims, supporting them from the earliest opportunity and driving a whole system approach. 

“We are also relentlessly pursing perpetrators, and ensuring we are using all powers and policies such as Stalking Protection Orders to protect people. In the last week alone we have secured four stalking charges. 

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to tackling stalking and we will continue to drive positive change, increase education on tools and support, and work with partners to better support victims and drive change.” 

Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard has also welcomed the government announcement that outlines how stalking victims will be given more protection and perpetrators will face tougher sanctions.  

John said: “I welcome the government’s bold new proposals to protect victims of stalking. This is a vile crime that harms, intrudes and intimidates. Action must be taken to tackle it and offer protection to all victims and especially women.  

“This timely announcement during 16 Days of Action serves as a reminder that stalking is a crime that will be taken seriously by the police.  

“Not only this, but the new guidance also empowers the police to provide those affected with information about the perpetrator, giving reassurance to victims and rightly so. 

 “I will continue to advocate for victims of all crimes and ensure they are put at the heart of the wider criminal justice system.”  

Bedfordshire Police will host a live webinar tomorrow (Wednesday) with officers from the Stalking Prevention & Intervention Unit (SPIU) and Victim Engagement Officers to openly discuss the topic of stalking and to highlight the support available. Follow this link to find out more and join the live webinar.

For more information on 16 Days of Action, visit the website.