Cheshire Constabulary highlights the role of health professionals in spotting stalking

Cheshire Constabulary is supporting the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s campaign for National Stalking Awareness Week.

National Stalking Awareness Week (22nd - 26th April 2025), will raise awareness about the devastating impact of stalking and the crucial role of health professionals in recognising and responding to it.

This year’s theme, “spotting stalking,” focuses on how doctors, nurses, and therapists can help identify signs of stalking in victims and encourage early intervention. 

Stalking is not just a criminal issue - It’s a health crisis.  

Stalking has serious psychological and physical effects, often leading to depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disturbances, and paranoia. Many victims confide in health professionals before they ever approach the police, making their role in spotting stalking vital. 

Stalking behaviours to look out for:

Victims, health professionals, and loved ones should be aware of red flags that indicate stalking, including: 

• Fixation on your daily routine – this could involve following you, watching your every move, using a tracking device on you or on your vehicle. 

• Constant obsessive and repeated communication – endless phone calls, messages, or contacting people known to you. 

• Threatening and intimidating behaviour towards you or someone you know – threatening suicide, last resort thinking or sending death threats. 

• Repeated unwanted attention or ‘love bombing’ – they could make unannounced visits to your home or workplace, send you unwanted gifts, or make declarations of love constantly. 

• Unwanted sexual contact – sexual assault, sexual harassment, unwanted touching. 

• Resorts to criminal behaviour to gain your attention or cause fear – they could break into your home or vehicle or cause damage to your property or belongings. 

If you are experiencing persistent, unwanted behaviour that causes fear or distress, it is stalking - and it is a crime. 

Cheshire Constabulary’s Stalking Single Point of Contact, Detective Sergeant Dave Thomason, of the Harm Reduction Unit, said:

“In Cheshire we have a dedicated Harm Reduction Unit (HRU) that work with health services, the Probation Service, and victim support agencies to manage risk and protect victims. By collaborating with health professionals, we can identify victims sooner, ensure they receive appropriate support, and intervene earlier to prevent escalation. This helps us investigate and manage stalking cases more effectively, leading to better outcomes for victims and the public. 

I am urging both victims, and their friends and family, to report stalking as early as possible - before it escalates. If you are unsure whether you or a loved one is being stalked, you can use the “Am I Being Stalked?” tool by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust for guidance.  

I want to reassure victims that help is available. You can report your concerns to police, contact the stalking helpline for advice, or talk to a trusted health professional - they can support you and help you to identify stalking behaviours. Don’t wait, don’t delay - trust your instincts.” 

Follow Cheshire Police on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok for updates throughout the campaign. 

Join the conversation using #NSAW2025 #SpottingStalking  

For more information about stalking visit: 

What is stalking? Signs and support | Cheshire Constabulary 

• Stalking offences continue to rise, with 3,127 cases recorded in 2024, an increase of 6% from 2023. 
• 90% of all recorded stalking cases involve an ex-partner, and 66.87% involve online cyberstalking. 
• On average, 10 stalking crimes are recorded per day in Cheshire. 
• Cheshire has one of the highest charge rates for stalking and harassment nationally, reflecting the force’s commitment to tackling this crime. 

The HRU uses GPS tracking as part of Stalking Protection Orders, ensuring that offenders cannot come near victims.  

In 2024, Cheshire Police secured its first GPS-tagged stalking offender, setting a precedent for enhanced victim protection.