stalking

Stalking is a serious criminal offence defined as a pattern of repeated, persistent, and unwanted behaviour that causes alarm, distress, or fear, and West Midlands Police proactively investigates these offences across Tipton and the wider Sandwell borough.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, multiple local specialist support services and legal protections are available to help you secure your safety.

Direct Reporting & Immediate Help

·         Emergency Situations: Dial 999 immediately if you are in danger, being followed, or feel actively threatened.

·         Non-Emergency Police Reports: You can report incidents directly using the online by calling 101.

·         Anonymous Reporting: If you prefer not to provide your details, you can contact the independent charity Crime stoppers at 0800 555 111.

Local Support Services in the Black Country

You do not need to report to the police to access professional safety planning, legal guidance, and emotional support.

·         Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA): BCWA operates the dedicated West Midlands Stalking Support Service, offering caseworkers and independent advocates for anyone over 16 facing stalking. You can contact their confidential helpline at 0121 553 0090 or access the Black Country Women's Aid Stalking Portal.

·         Ask Marc: A specialized local support network explicitly designed to assist male victims of stalking and domestic abuse within the Sandwell area. Reach their team at 0121 553 0090 or visit the Ask Marc Website.

·         National Stalking Helpline: Operated by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, providing national specialist advice at 0808 802 0300.

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Recommended Safety and Evidence Actions

West Midlands Police advises implementing specific protocols to protect yourself and build a robust case for legal interventions, such as a Stalking Protection Order (SPO):

·         Keep a Detailed Log: Document every single event. Use a secure diary or notes app to record dates, times, exact locations (e.g., specific streets in Tipton), vehicle registrations, descriptions of behaviour, and how the incident made you feel.

·         Preserve Digital Evidence: Take screenshots of all messages, emails, social media interactions, or call logs. Do not delete any communication from the individual, even if it is upsetting, as it serves as vital evidence.

·         Do Not Abruptly Block: Counter-intuitively, the West Midlands Police Neighbourhood Alert advice suggests muting notifications rather than blocking numbers outright. Blocking can cause a stalker to feel they have lost control, potentially escalating their behaviour into physical tracking.

·         Vary Your Routines: Change the times and routes you take to local supermarkets, train stations, workplaces, or schools across Sandwell.

·         Secure Your Property: Speak with Sandwell Council or the police about home safety. Consider installing visible home security measures such as smart doorbells, CCTV, or motion-sensor exterior lighting.

Thank you from Tipton police station.