MERSEYSIDE Police have joined forces with National Stalking Awareness Week in an attempt to ensure victims are confident enough to report crimes.

Known as ‘Stalking Matters’, the campaign is supported by police forces and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, an organisation which offers campaigning, education and support to help people be safer from violence and aggression.

In 2016 it was revealed that Wirral has the highest number of stalkers in the UK per head of population - with Merseyside named the stalking capital of England and Wales.


In the first half of 2015/16 there were 275 cases of people caught persistently intruding in another person's life in the county.
The figures obtained by the Daily Mirror found that 86 of these were in Wirral.


Liverpool had more cases, but calculated by per head of population the borough has the worst record.

Stalking can be someone giving persistent or unwanted contact towards an individual that causes distress and it can take many different forms such as following, loitering, publishing material relating to the victim and watching or spying.

Detective superintendent Richie Salter from the force’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “Protecting vulnerable people is a priority for the force and we welcome any victim of stalking who finds the confidence to report offences, and we will investigate them thoroughly and with discretion.

“Specially trained officers are here to provide safeguarding, support and reassurance throughout.

“Merseyside Police and our partners are acutely aware that the experience of being stalked can change people’s lives dramatically.

“Victims of stalking offences can quite rightly feel unsettled, distressed and isolated and we would like to reassure them that we take all reports of this type of offence very seriously, and will use the law to protect you.

“If you feel you have been a victim of this type of crime, please get in contact with police.

“If you are ever in immediate danger always dial 999. If you do not want to contact the police at this time then seek support from other agencies or speak to friends and family about what is happening. But above all else: don’t suffer in silence.”

To report an offence of stalking call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300.