Our PCSO Kerry-Anne on supporting a victim of stalking

NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE

A common misconception about stalking is that it is only something that occurs in person between people who know each other and is usually someone like an ex-partner, someone you work with, used to know, or even an acquaintance. In reality, this isn’t always the case; stalking can happen to anyone, whether they know the perpetrator or not, and can take place online or in person.

Stalking is defined as persistent and unwanted attention, which happens two or more times, causing the victim to feel pestered, alarmed, distressed, or fear violence might be used against them.

It doesn’t have to mean it takes place ‘in person’ or involves being physically followed or threatened, stalking can be in several different forms such as:

• Following the victim
• Turning up at locations they know you will be at
• Monitoring through tracking devices and mobile apps
• Social media and social networks
• Other unwanted behaviour like leaving gifts

Together, we need to speak out against it and be proactive in gaining the knowledge and tools to be able to protect our communities from it.

We recently spoke with Police Community Support Office Kerry-Anne Leaning who is part of the Grimsby Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing team. She shared her own experience of supporting a victim of stalking who wanted to come forward and encourage others who may have experienced something similar, to report it.

Thanks for speaking with us, Kerry. Can you tell us a bit more about the case?

I recently supported a 19-year-old victim who was being stalked by a complete stranger at her workplace. It all started when the man came into the store where she worked, made a purchase, and asked her out on a date. She declined, and he then began returning to the store daily, and quickly started referring to her as his ‘wife’. When removed by security, he became aggressive, only to return shortly afterwards, continuing to cause significant distress for the victim on a daily basis. It then progressed outside of the workplace where he would be waiting for her after work or following her home.

How did the victim initially report what was happening?

At first, she was hesitant to come forward, not recognising that what was happening to her was a serious offence. She felt it would come down to “her word against his” and wasn’t aware that this type of behaviour could be considered a crime.

Fortunately, the shopping centre security, who had been repeatedly removing the man from the premises, flagged the situation to their local PCSO, which just happened to be me. Because of their quick action, willingness to support a victim and assist her in coming forward, together with officers from the PVP team in Grimsby, we were then able to intervene. This led to a 19-year-old man to be held accountable for his crimes and sentenced to 2 years behind bars.

What was your role in supporting the victim?

Once the incident was flagged to me, I reached out to the victim and gave her my work number so that she had one point of contact in case she ever needed support. On one occasion, he followed her for several miles after work, and she called me straight away. Because it had been reported previously, we were able to link this to the existing crime report and ensure he was swiftly arrested. From that point forward, I stayed in regular contact with her—making sure she knew I was available whenever she needed support whilst investigations were ongoing, and then eventually through criminal proceedings as well.

When speaking to the victim, she said: “if you’d told me a few years ago something like this would happen, I wouldn’t have believed you”

“I didn’t think anything of it at first but then when he started to use mirrors to look at me from a different angle outside the shop, I started to realise it was strange”

“I was scared to go to work or go into town, I’d actively try take a different route home, so he didn’t know where I lived or went to college”

“What helped the most was knowing the support I had from Kerry in that I could just ring her”

“I felt much safer once I had the Hollie Guard app and my radio”

What safeguarding measures were put in place?

Safeguarding was a joint effort involving shopping centre security and North East Lincolnshire Council. Initially, because the victim worked within the shopping centre, she was issued a GRIP radio to use whilst she was working so she could immediately alert security if she felt unsafe. GRIP is for Grimsby Retailers in Partnership and this is a collaboration which connects stores, retailers and businesses together with links to the council and CCTV too. As part of her safeguarding, I also issued the Hollie Guard premium license app—a personal safety app that helps individuals alert emergency contacts and authorities if they’re in danger.

What advice would you give to someone experiencing stalking?

If someone’s behaviour is making you feel unsafe, harassed, or uncomfortable, it’s important to take it seriously. You can report it, and even if you’re not ready to do so, there are organisations that can offer support and advice to help you navigate your next steps.

Never feel ashamed and remember it is never your fault. Stalking is a serious offence, and I strongly encourage anyone who suspects they are being stalked, or know someone who might be, to report it via our non-emergency number 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency or if you are in immediate danger.

If you are not ready to take that step and report via 999 or 101 straight away, you can first speak with your local policing officers who are made up of Police Constables and PCSOs and will be able to assist with escalating this to the right people. We’re here to keep our communities safe, and support is always available.