'You do not have to put up with it': South Yorkshire Police in crackdown on stalking and harassment

And in a new crackdown, victims are being urged to come forward and report those targeting them.

As part of national Stalking Awareness Week, which runs this week and sees agencies across the country join together to raise awareness of stalking and its effects, South Yorkshire Police is highlighting the behaviour offenders display.

The force said: “Stalking is a pattern of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repetitive behaviour that leaves a victim in fear for their safety.

“There are lots of different forms of stalking, including unwanted contact in person, on the phone, online or on social media.

“It can also involve someone threatening or damaging property, following or spying on a person.

“It can happen to anyone and it is a criminal offence.”

Superintendent Cherie Buttle, the force lead for stalking, said: “The pandemic has left many of us feeling more isolated than usual and I am acutely aware that this could have had an impact on how willing people have felt to report offences to us.

“Stalking is a serious offence, you are not alone, and I would ask anyone who thinks they are a victim, or know someone who is, to get in touch with us so we can take action.

“Since the start of 2021 we have charged 175 people with stalking and harassment offences across South Yorkshire. These people now potentially face time in prison, restraining orders and other penalties – there are very serious consequences to this behaviour and there are lots of things we can do to stop stalking happening.”

She added: “The most important advice I can give anyone who is scared is to not stay silent, we understand it’s a very difficult thing to talk about, but please tell someone. The impact of stalking on your life can be huge, both physically and psychologically, please know it is not your fault and you do not have to put up with it.”

To report stalking or harassment call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

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