Stalking awareness campaign launched by Cumbria Police

Credit: PA

Cumbria Police are taking part in a national campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to report stalking.

Part of the launch is a new 'silent solution' system allowing the public to contact police through 999 without speaking.

The silent solution system works through a ‘prompt’ if a caller doesn’t speak to the operator after dialling 999. If a caller can't for any reason make a sound, they will be prompted to press '55' if the call is genuine and they are in need of an emergency police response.

Stalking behaviours include:

  • contacting/attempting to contact the victim

  • publishing statements or material about the victim

  • monitoring the victim (including online)

  • loitering in a public or private place

  • interfering with property

  • watching or spying.

Cumbria Constabulary will be using the week as a platform to highlighted a new piece of legislation on the Constabulary’s social media accounts. The government backed Stalking Protection Bill received Royal Assent on the 15th March 2019, more information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-backed-stalking-protection-bill-receives-royal-assent.

The bill allows police to issue a Stalking Protection Order to protect victims from stalking, abuse and harassment before a criminal investigation has concluded.

Breaking these laws can result in up to five years in prison.

Anyone who would like to report an incident of stalking, or concerns should call Cumbria Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.