Stalking is when someone shows a pattern of behaviour (of two or more actions) that make you feel fear or alarm, or had the aim to make you feel fear or alarm.

These actions could mean physical or mental harm. They can happen in-person, online, or both. Often the stalker’s behaviour focuses on one person.

Harassment often happens after an argument or disagreement. For example, after an argument with a neighbour.

When you speak to us about stalking or harassment, we’ll call it “stalking and harassment”.

Harassment and stalking behaviour can be similar. If you’re not sure which it is, tell us what’s happened. We’ll explain what it is and what can be done.

Stalking behaviours

Every stalking situation is different. Stalkers may have different reasons for what they do. But the tactics they use are often similar.

A stalker might:

• follow someone
• try to contact someone lots of times, with the aim to create fear or alarm
• post information about someone online without their consent
• monitor someone’s phone, internet, email, or other communication method
• wait for a long time in a public or private place so they can follow or interact with another person without consent
• handle someone’s property without consent
• leave unwanted gifts or notes for someone
• watch or spy on someone

Watch our YouTube video on what stalking is, what you can do, and helpful information you can give us.

For more information on what stalking is, read this advice from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

If you think you’re being stalked or harassed, report it to us.

If you’re in danger now, phone 999.

If you're not in danger and want to tell us about a stalking or harassment, you can report it online, by phone, or in person.

Report it using our online form

Learn about other ways you can report a crime to us

If you’re being stalked or harassed, or think you are, you should:

• call 999 if you’re in danger now
• tell us using our online form if you’re not in danger now
• avoid talking to the stalker or harasser
• refuse to meet them
• tell trusted family and friends about what you’re experiencing
• try to keep in touch with friends and family to avoid isolation
• watch our YouTube video on what stalking is and what you can do

When you report stalking or harassment to us, it can help if you:

• write down what has happened and when
• save evidence of contact like text messages, emails, and screenshots
• keep any letters or gifts as evidence of unwanted contact
• record unwanted telephone calls

How to deal with unwanted contact

If you receive calls, messages, letters, or any contact or communication you do not want, you can:

• not respond in any way
• ask your phone service provider to block calls from withheld or unknown numbers (be aware blocking a stalker escalate their behaviour)
• answer the phone by saying “hello” not your name or number
• use answer machines and caller identifications to screen calls
• try to stay calm and avoid showing emotion