The incidence of stalking offenses reported to law enforcement has dramatically increased over the last decade, with specialists attributing this surge to heightened awareness and advancements in technology that facilitate the tracking of victims by offenders.
Data from the House of Commons library, as analyzed by the Liberal Democrats, revealed that more than 135,000 stalking cases were recorded last year, a stark contrast to the nearly 3,000 cases documented a decade ago.
All regions in England and Wales have seen significant rises in reported offenses, with major police forces experiencing the most considerable increases. The Metropolitan Police reported 11,798 cases last year, a substantial rise from 647 a decade prior. Similarly, Greater Manchester Police’s figures surged from 96 to 10,649 in the same timeframe.
At the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the number of stalking offenses leading to charges rose from 2,305 in 2020-21 to 6,790 in 2024-25, marking the highest levels ever recorded.
A spokesperson for the CPS commented, “The number of stalking offenses charged by our agency has more than doubled in the past five years, reaching an unprecedented peak last year. As our lives become increasingly digital, the methods employed by stalkers are evolving. Even digital abuse inflicts significant harm on victims.”
To address this issue, the CPS recently introduced its inaugural stalking action plan aimed at confronting the changing dynamics of these offenses in the modern era. The plan emphasizes collaboration with technology and trauma specialists to better equip prosecutors in delivering justice to victims.
Nearly half of the individuals reaching out to the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a charity that provides support for stalking victims, reported being stalked by a former partner, while many others recognized the perpetrator.
Jo Silver, interim CEO of SafeLives, stated, “Stalking frequently occurs within the context of domestic abuse, particularly after a relationship ends, and serves as a critical indicator that risk levels may be rising. Technology exacerbates this issue, enabling perpetrators to monitor and harass victims beyond physical spaces. Stalking is a prevalent aspect of post-separation abuse, with severe implications for a person’s sense of safety.”
Silver further noted, “The increase in recorded offenses is alarming but may reflect a blend of factors, including enhanced awareness and shifts in how these crimes are categorized. It is crucial that our response evolves accordingly. Stalking must be recognized as part of a broader pattern of coercive and controlling behavior, necessitating collaborative efforts among agencies to identify risks promptly and act decisively.”
The Liberal Democrats have proposed the introduction of emergency stalking protection notices, akin to those available for domestic abuse, to empower police to act swiftly.
Silver emphasized that such initiatives should form part of a comprehensive approach that includes independent stalking advocates, domestic abuse services, and specialized victim support organizations.
Marie Goldman, the Liberal Democrats’ spokesperson for women and equalities, remarked, “Stalking inflicts severe damage on victims, adversely affecting their mental and physical well-being and leaving them in a state of constant fear. These statistics illustrate the alarming scope of the issue in Britain. We must confront the epidemic of stalking in our country by ensuring that those responsible for this predatory and intimidating conduct are held accountable and face the full weight of the law.”
A spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs’ Council asserted, “Law enforcement and the broader criminal justice system must acknowledge the harm inflicted by offenders and prioritize victim protection as early as possible. This is particularly vital in a landscape where emerging technologies offer perpetrators new avenues to commit offenses.”
The spokesperson acknowledged the complexity of perpetrators’ behavior and stressed the importance of prevention and early intervention to curb harmful actions from escalating. They noted, “Stalking has historically been under-reported, and the rise in recorded offenses can be partially attributed to increased public awareness, reflected in an improved response from law enforcement.”
This includes ensuring that call handlers ask the right questions to identify stalking early, considering stalking protection orders in all relevant cases promptly, and ongoing collaboration with the Home Office and CPS to enhance the overall criminal justice response to stalking.
