The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says the number of stalking offences charged in England and Wales has reached a record high.
Data from the government body shows 8,561 offences were charged between April 2025 and March 2026, more than double the figure recorded four years earlier.
In 2021-22, 3,350 stalking offences were recorded, rising to 7,168 in 2024-25.
CPS claims the increase has come from greater awareness of stalking, as well as a better understanding of stalking behaviour among police and prosecutors.
Changes in the way offences are recorded have also contributed to the rise in reports. Since 2018, police have been more likely to record stalking as a separate offence when other crimes are also involved.
The latest figures were published as a national conference on stalking took place in Sheffield on Thursday 10 September.
Olivia Rose, the CPS National Stalking Lead, said: ‘Stalking is a terrifying and deeply intrusive crime, whether it happens in person or online. It can leave victims living in fear, feeling isolated as though there is no escape from the shadow of someone else’s behaviour.
‘Stalkers have more avenues to offend than ever before with technological advancements, but the record level of offences charged shows that our prosecutors are continuing to drive up the number of charges to deliver justice for more victims.’
During the conference, police, prosecutors and ministers heard the growing us of technology has given perpetrators more ways to contact and monitor victims.
- Other dangerous uses of technology have also been reported by our sister title Social Care Today
Against this backdrop, the government has committed £13m to specialist teams working on violence against women and girls (VAWG), including improving the use of Stalking Protection Orders.
Satvir Kaur, Minister for Safeguarding and VAWG, added: ‘No one should have to live in fear because of stalking. We will continue to work across the criminal justice system to keep improving our response to this devastating crime.’
Image: Shutterstock
In related news:
Government rejects assisted dying bill for England and Wales
Swinney urges Burnham to put Scottish referendum plan into action
Leave a Reply