Stalking Crimes Surge in England & Wales

0:00On April 6th, police in England and Wales logged a nearly 50-fold spike in stalking crimes over the past 10 years. Last year alone, they recorded more than 135,000 offenses, jumping from just under 3,000 a decade ago. Every region saw massive increases with the Metropolitan Police noting 11,798 cases last year compared to 6, 147 before. Greater Manchester's numbers shot up from 96 to 10,649 in the same stretch. Experts points of better awareness of stalking as a crime, plus tech like tracking apps making it simpler for abusers, often ex-partners, to harass. Victims, charities say half of helpline callers face this from former lovers, and it ties into domestic abuse, leaving folks terrified and unsafe. Some prosecution service charges doubled to a record 6,790 in the latest year, with a fresh action plan targeting digital. Tactics, police and groups stress early intervention to stop patterns of control before they worsen.

1:05Lib Dems push for quick protection notices like those for domestic abuse, urging a team up across agencies. With tech evolving threats, the system's catching up, but victims need that full force of justice now to reclaim their peace.