Police Issue A Stark Warning To Stalkers

Police are continuing to tackle stalking offences across Greater Manchester by supporting this week’s national awareness campaign to help spread the message.

Officers are reiterating their firm commitment to supporting victims of stalking, as they continue to improve its service in all possible areas.  

This includes building further relationships with local partners internally and externally to raise awareness of what stalking can look like.  

One indicator can be by assessing the ‘FOUR’ acronyms. This relates to the following types of behaviour: 

-Fixated 

-Obsessed 

-Unwanted 

-Repeated 

Stalking can present itself in many ways, including physical or digital, through communications, or observation and surveillance.  

It can provoke feelings of fear, anxiety, and danger and may leave victims feeling powerless. 

Police are determined to assist all victims of stalking from protection orders to arrests and imprisonment. 

Last year, officers supported more than 3,000 victims of this type of crime and will continue to work to catch more offenders before they inflict further harm. 

In 2024, the team launched the Stalking Triage Centre, supported and funded by the GMCA, and which adds a further layer of support for those suffering from stalking. 

The initiative acts as a support hub for police officers across Greater Manchester who are investigating these types of offences, offering advice on evidential opportunities, suspect strategies, safeguarding, and victim engagement, to ensure investigations are victim-centric and gain the best outcome possible. 

Every week, the centre welcomes representatives from The Pankhurst Trust and Catch 22, charities and services which aid people across Greater Manchester.  

By visiting, they can engage directly with officers and assist in sharing best practice with the team regarding specific cases. 

In response to the super complaint submitted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust in 2022, the findings of which were published in 2024, officers continue to enact the recommendations made as they strive to improve their response to stalking. 

Detective Inspector Rebecca Jones, who works within the stalking triage centre, said: “Our stalking work over the last few years – and months in particular – has seen significant improvements in our service delivery. 

“We continually adapt and evolve to the latest best practices and legislation available to us, with victim-centric work at the heart of what we do. 

“I would urge anyone who believes they are the victim of stalking to get  in touch with us, as our officers will do their best to ensure all appropriate actions are taken. Other avenues are available for advice – from charities to independent services – somebody will be there to help you.” 

For more information on stalking, and how you can spot the signs and report the behaviour, visit here: Stalking and harassment | Greater Manchester Police