Police Scotland is supporting National Stalking Awareness Day today Friday, April 22.
Stalking involves behaviours which may appear innocent to others, but can cause fear and alarm to an individual. It is an offence and Police Scotland will take action on all reports of stalking.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “Stalking is a deceptive and debilitating crime that causes immense suffering to victims. This is why Police Scotland is committed to working with agencies across Scotland to tackle this issue and bring those responsible to justice.
“We know that the seemingly innocent gestures of perpetrators can mask much more sinister and terrifying behaviour and sometimes victims might struggle to gather the courage to contact u. However, I want to be very clear  – if you are a victim of stalking or know someone who is, please come forward and let us know. My officers will take your report seriously, we will investigate and we will ensure victims of this horrible crime get the support they need.”
Action Scotland Against Stalking (ASAS) founder Ann Moulds said: “It is time to end stalking and we are delighted that Police Scotland is taking this so seriously.
“Our experience is that stalking can happen to people like you or me.  Ordinary people whose lives can be ruined by unwanted attention – even if it does not develop into physical violence.
“Our activities to mark Stalking Awareness Day are based around young people to make it clear at an early stage what is and is not acceptable behaviour. “
The UK wide day is a coordinated effort between ASAS and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. The campaign focuses on the risk social media poses with a new study – ‘The Stalker in Your Pocket’ – revealing it as a tool of choice for many stalkers.
Victims of stalking can get help by calling Police Scotland on 101 (in an emergency always call 999).
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
