Factsheet
Landlord Services
Stalking
What is Stalking?
Stalking is “a repeated pattern of unwanted persistent pursuit and intrusive behaviour that engenders fear”.
Stalking is a criminal offence and can destroy lives. It can include unwanted communications online, by text and following someone. Threats are not required for a criminal offence to occur.
Types of Stalking
Stalking is most common within a domestic violence and abuse context. However, in 22% of cases, the stalker is a complete stranger to the victim.
‘Stranger stalking’ has increased with the growing use of social networking and online communities with the ability to discover information about a person they are interested in.
Legal Protection against Stalking
The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 created 2 new offences of stalking by adding extra sections to the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Stalking and harassment can also include a range of offences including (but not limited to) legislation under:
- Offences Against the Person Act 1861
- Sexual Offences Act 2003; and
- Malicious Communications Act 1988
- Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004
A court dealing with a person convicted of any offence may make a restraining order prohibiting the offender from doing anything described in the order. This order can be made in addition to a custodial sentence or other sentence.
Reporting Stalking
Keep a record of everything that has happened to you, preferably with dates and times, and note how it has affected you.
Advice and information is available from the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 or email . The website address is This website has a wealth of information about Stalking and Harassment including getting help with counselling/support.
Paladin is the National Stalking Advocacy Service providing a service for high risk victims. You can refer yourself to Paladin direct on 020 3866 4107 or by email at . A referral form and risk assessment can be found on the website at
If you are ever in immediate danger call 999
Stalking is a criminal offence and can be reported to Staffordshire Police on 101. All police forces have a SPOC (Single Point of Contact) for Stalking or you can ask to speak to the Public Protection Unit. If the Stalker is a current/former partner or a family member, ask to speak with a Domestic Abuse Officer.
Tips and practical advice about staying safe can be found on the Suzy Lamplugh website at
You can apply for a Civil Injunction which can be granted with a power of arrest and breach of this Order is a criminal offence. However, if you are not entitled to Legal Aid, you may have to meet the cost yourself.
What can your Landlord do?
If you are being stalked, Landlord Services will work with local agencies to support you throughout the investigation.
Where a conviction has been obtained under section 4 and/or 4a of this Act, legislation introduced in 2014 allows landlords to evict tenants found guilty of this offence under the Absolute Ground for Possession. Courts can also imprison offenders for up to 5 years.
Reviewed January 2017