New London Unit Set to Smash Stalking Crime
The Metropolitan Police have launched a world-first multi-agency unit dedicated to smashing stalking in London. The Stalking Threat Assessment Centre (STAC) officially opened on 10 May, teaming up police, mental health experts, and charities to protect victims and take down offenders.
Multi-Agency Muscle Tackling Stalkers
STAC brings together the Met, Barnet, Enfield & Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. All under one roof, they will investigate the riskiest stalking cases, support victims, and spot offenders early.
- Eight police officers, two nurses, a psychiatrist, psychologist, victim advocate, Crown Prosecution Service lawyer, and probation officer on duty.
- Specialised advice for local police on managing stalking cases safely.
- Offenders assessed for behaviour change programmes, plus mental health and substance abuse support.
The initiative is backed by over £4 million from the Home Office’s Police Transformation Fund, with £1.4 million earmarked for this London pilot.
Smashing Stalking with Innovation and Intervention
The aim? Slash stalking reoffending, increase early intervention, and up victim protection. Crucially, STAC will work not just to punish, but rehabilitate stalkers, helping stop their dangerous fixations for good.
Detective Inspector Lee Barnard says, “Stalking is relentless and wrecks lives, even without physical violence. This new approach lets us spot offenders sooner and support victims better.”
Dr Frank Farnham, forensic psychiatrist with the National Stalking Clinic, adds, “We’re applying 12 years’ experience managing fixated stalkers of public figures to all cases. It marks a big leap in cutting threats to victims.”
Experts, Advocates & the Law United
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust provides expert stalking advocacy and leads victim support, while the National Probation Service helps manage offenders upon release to prevent reoffending.
Since stalking became a distinct offence in 2012, reports have soared. In 2017 alone, London saw over 1,000 stalking reports and 12,000 harassment cases – but police expect numbers to rise further as STAC boosts detection.
Cressida Dick, Met Commissioner: “Stalking’s psychological terror can force victims to change their whole lives. This multi-agency centre puts victims front and centre, aiming to stop dangerous behaviour before it escalates.”
Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime: “This centre is a key part of London’s fight against violence toward women and girls. Stalking causes severe trauma—by pooling expertise, we aim to slash risks and keep Londoners safe.”
Stalking Facts
- 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will face stalking in adulthood.
- Half of stalking cases involve domestic abuse perpetrators, often rejected ex-partners.
- 50% of domestic abuse stalkers who threaten violence act on it.
- 10% of stalkers with no prior relationship who threaten violence will follow through.
With this groundbreaking unit, London aims to lead the way nationally. The two-year STAC pilot will be closely monitored before a UK-wide rollout is considered.
London’s stalkers, beware. The new STAC is coming – and it’s set to end your reign of terror.
