As National Stalking Awareness Week comes to a close, we encourage everyone to learn how to recognize the signs of stalking behaviour and take appropriate action.

Stalking is defined as a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour that is repeated, persistent, intrusive, and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim.

We want people to be aware of the four key behaviours that indicate someone may be stalking you:

Fixated: Being followed during your daily routine, spied on, or watched by someone loitering around your work or home.

Obsessive: Being monitored online or offline, cyberstalking, or having items ordered and cancelled on your behalf.

Unwanted Attention: Receiving gifts, unwanted messages, letters, or phone calls. This can also include damage or graffiti to your property.

Repeated Behaviour: Experiencing any nuisance or threatening behaviour, being approached, accosted, or bullied repeatedly.

Stalking is not limited to following someone or loitering around where they live or work. It can involve a multitude of behaviours such as repeatedly texting, emailing, or leaving voicemails, sending unwanted gifts, hacking into your computer, email, cameras, and social media accounts, going through rubbish bins, leaving offensive material in the garden, or verbal abuse and public humiliation.

For more information, please visit the following websites: 

Staffordshire Police supports stalking awareness week | Staffordshire Police

Let's Talk Stalking | Staffordshire Police