VICTIMS of stalking have been urged to speak out and report unwanted harassment as part of national stalking awareness week.

The number of stalking cases reported to Wiltshire Police has increased from 16 in 2014 to 41 in 2017. So far in 2018 11 incidents were reported and eight people were charged with the offence.

Wiltshire Police has backed the week long campaign led by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to get more people to come forward and report if they feel like they are a victim of stalking.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills said: “If a person’s behaviour towards you is persistent and clearly unwanted, causing you fear, harassment or anxiety, then it is stalking and you should not have to live with it.

“We take all reports of stalking and harassment extremely seriously and recognise the catastrophic effects this can have on a victim. If you are being stalked or harassed, I urge you to report this to us – you will be believed and protected.

Police Crime Commissioner Angus Macherson received £824,368 last year from the Ministry of Justice to support victims of crime in Wiltshire. Of this £125,000 has been used to commission Wiltshire Police’s in-house victim support service, Horizon, along with £235,000 for victim support and £185,000 for domestic abuse support amongst other victim services in the county.

Steps to take to help deal with this type of behaviour:

  • Keep a record with times, venue and description of what happened and was involved; write down information as soon as possible when events are still fresh in your mind

  • Record how the suspect looked and sounded - What they were wearing and the make and number plate of any vehicle involved

  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times

  • Think about your phone settings - Use a PIN with random numbers; turn off geo-location services in camera apps and your mobile settings; don't use apps that tell you where friends are, check you in etc

  • Use a safe computer - use a different computer, belonging to a friend or library, until you can install anti-spyware software on your computer; delete all online accounts; obtain several new e-mail addresses and don't use your name or nickname as a stalker could identify you; create new passwords and password protect your computer

  • Social networks are not secure - Your friends can easily share information that can help an abuser track you down. Make sure you use strict privacy settings or, if possible, delete your Facebook account.