The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the Association of
Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and the Suzy Lamplugh
Trust are reminding stalking victims that they are continuing
to provide protection and keep victims safe amidst the
challenges posed by COVID-19.
Digital and online stalking methods include messaging through
any platform, contact or other interaction on social media,
making posts or comments about or alluding to the victim, use
of spyware or tracking apps or software, hacking or otherwise
gaining access to victim’s accounts on any online platform.
This also includes accessing internet-connected devices in
victim’s homes, such video doorbells, assistants like Alexa,
Google Home or Siri, and home security systems.
Victims contacting the Suzy Lamplugh Trust report that online
and digital stalking has increased in frequency and intensity
during the pandemic, and some stalkers have specifically used
COVID-19 as a threat – either by threatening to infect their
victim, or by isolating victims and damaging their businesses
by spreading rumours that they themselves are infected.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Stalking and
Harassment Offences, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills
said:
“Our evidence shows that the risks to victims of stalking have
continued during the coronavirus pandemic, in particular we
know that stalkers have turned to online and digital methods to
stalk their victims. We are also now likely to see a further
rise in such offences as the lockdown period starts to lift and
stalkers are able to use more traditional methods to target
their victims.
“We are working closely with other statutory agencies and
specialist support organisations to ensure that stalking
victims are responded to appropriately and crimes are
investigated. Despite the ongoing health pandemic, victims of
stalking must remain visible and it is crucial that anyone
affected by this serious crime is reassured that support
through the National Stalking Helpline and other advocacy
services has not changed.
“We know this continues to be a troubling time for all,
particularly victims of stalking and we want to ensure victims
can get the help they need. We continue to take stalking
extremely seriously, and we remain fully committed to doing all
that we can to bring offenders to justice and safeguard
victims.
“We would always urge anyone who believes they may be subject
of stalking to come forward at the earliest opportunity and
report their concerns to police or other support agencies so we
can work with them to protect them.”
Suky Bhaker, CEO of stalking charity the Suzy Lamplugh
Trust said:
“Stalking is a crime of psychological terror that impacts
on all aspects of a victim’s life, often in ways that are
long-lasting and traumatic. We know from the calls we have
received to the National Stalking Helpline over the past few
months that stalking victims need support as much as ever
and we want to reiterate our message that we are here to
support you.”
Chair of the Association of Police & Crime
Commissioner’s said:
“Whilst many criminals were thwarted by the lockdown measures,
stalkers continued to fixate and obsess and the way many have
adapted their cyber-skills to reach their victims, concerns me
deeply.
“We know all too well that this behaviour causes extreme
distress and can quickly escalate into physical activity and
harm.
“We want to offer reassurance that you do not have to suffer in
silence so please do report.
“If you are experiencing behaviour that is Fixated, Obsessive,
Unwanted or Repeated you are being stalked. It is a crime and
you will be taken seriously when you ask for help.”