More than 300 alleged stalkers arrested in NI in two years

A law introduced two years ago brought Northern Ireland stalking legislation into line with other parts of the UK

More than 300 alleged stalkers have been arrested in NI in the last two years, police figures show.

Legislation was introduced to Northern Ireland in April 2022 which criminalised stalking for the first time.

Under the new law, convictions for the most serious offences will carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Police have released the figures to coincide with National Stalking Awareness Week.

Up until 31 March 2024 the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has arrested 312 alleged stalkers and charged 150.

Last month Northern Ireland's first Stalking Protection Order (SPO) was granted with the PSNI describing it as a "huge milestone".

Breakdown of arrests by district:

• Belfast - 69

• Newry Mourne & Down - 34

• Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon - 38

• Antrim & Newtownabbey - 30

• Derry City & Strabane - 32

• Mid Ulster - 19

• Causeway Coast & Glens - 14

• Lisburn & Castlereagh - 18

• Ards & North Down - 17

• Fermanagh & Omagh - 22

• Mid & East Antrim - 19

'Insidious' crime

Det Supt Lindsay Fisher said police are asking the public not to ignore the "red flags".

"If someone's behaviour towards you is fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated, this is stalking," she said.

She added that thousands of police officers have been trained to recognise and respond to these crimes and stalking "will not be tolerated or accepted".

"It is an insidious crime that takes over and destroys lives. Statistics show that people will suffer up to 100 incidents before reporting to police. It often results in fear, trauma and a reduction in the victim's quality of life. In some tragic cases it has resulted in murder.

Det Supt Lindsay Fisher said police take all reports seriously

The PSNI said red flags for a stalker include:

• Regularly following someone and tracking their movements

• Repeatedly going uninvited to their home or workplace

• Checking someone's internet use, email or other communications

• Hanging around somewhere they know the person often visits

• Interfering with their property

• Watching or spying on someone

• Identity theft (buying things in someone's name)

The National Stalking Helpline provides practical advice and information to anyone who is currently or previously has been affected by harassment or stalking 0808 8020300. If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, help and support is available at BBC Action Line.