Met Police Crack Down on Stalking Ahead of National Awareness Week
The Metropolitan Police are ramping up efforts to tackle stalking during National Stalking Awareness Week, with a sharp focus on supporting young people. The campaign is titled Standing Against Stalking: Supporting Young People.
Young Victims Often Left in the Dark
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Thompson, the Met’s lead on stalking, revealed worrying trends: “We’re committed to helping young Londoners understand what stalking really is, and to give them the confidence to report it.”
Data shows only 24 victims under 18 reported stalking offences to the Met in the past year — just 0.3% of all cases. “This suggests stalking is hugely misunderstood or underreported in this age group,” Thompson added.
He highlighted the rise of online stalking, saying, “Many young people still see stalking as a ‘real world’ issue, not something lurking in their phones and computers.”
Major Operation Targets 240 Stalkers
Before Awareness Week, the Met launched a four-week blitz targeting 240 suspects wanted for stalking offences. Many were arrested, flagged as wanted, or cleared from inquiries. Officers also cracked down on breaches of Restraining Orders and Stalking Protection Orders.
Detection rates against high-harm stalkers have jumped to over 17%, signalling a tougher stance.
Training Boost to Spot Stalking in Young People
Throughout the week, the Met’s Stalking Threat Assessment Centre (STAC) is training Safer Schools Officers, Youth Engagement Officers, and Cadet Leaders. The goal is to help them pinpoint obsessive, fixated behaviour in young people.
STAC, along with clinical psychologists, is also coaching Crown Prosecution Service staff and running sessions at southwest London universities to raise stalking awareness among students.
Victims’ Commissioner Speaks Out
Claire Waxman, London’s Victims’ Commissioner, shared a powerful message: “Having suffered stalking for 20 years, I know the devastating toll it takes on victims and their families.”
“Stalking often escalates to serious physical and sexual violence, even murder, if not tackled swiftly. This week, I stand fully with young people affected, pushing for support especially in schools and universities. Education is key to nipping these behaviours in the bud.”
She demanded swift justice and better protection: “Our police and courts must treat stalking with the urgency it deserves. I’m fighting to keep this a top priority across the criminal and family justice systems.”
Met Police: Stalking Is Unacceptable
Commander Kev Southworth, Head of Public Protection, said: “The Met’s commitment to battling stalking is rock solid. We are using new tech and the full weight of the law to protect victims and bring offenders to justice.”
Southworth highlighted the gendered impact of stalking. “Most victims are women, so our work fits into tackling violence against women and girls broadly. Offenders must know that help is available to reform, but if they don’t stop, they will face the full force of the law.”
What Counts as Stalking?
Stalking means repeated behaviour that makes someone feel scared, distressed, or threatened. The Met investigates when behaviour is:
- Fixated
- Obsessive
- Unwanted
- Repeated (Think FOUR)
Victims are urged to speak up and get the help they need.
