Home Secretary Amber Rudd to introduce ‘Stalking Protection Orders’ to stop offenders in their tracks at the first incident
The Asbo-style orders will force stalkers to stay away from their target and could also restrict their internet use
POLICE are to be given unprecedented powers to protect stalking victims within days of a first offence under new fast-track Asbo-style banning orders.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd last night vowed to jump to the defence of thousands of women “at the first signs of stalking” to stop offenders in their tracks.
Under the new powers, police will be able to immediately apply to the courts for a civil order to slap restrictions on stalkers rather than leaving victims to suffer for years while they try and seek a criminal prosecution.
The “Stalking Protection Orders” could order stalkers to stay away from their target or restrict their internet use and force them to seek medical treatment.
Breaching the conditions could trigger a five year jail sentence.
The Home Secretary said: “Four years ago this Government created specific stalking offences to ensure those responsible face justice. Today I want to go even further and offer protection at the first signs of stalking, stopping offenders in their tracks.”
The move comes three months after an “obsessed” stalker who bombarded the BBC’s Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis with letters and emails over a 25 year period was sent to jail for three years.
Police recorded 4,168 stalking incidents in the year to June – up 32 per cent.
The crackdown is designed to tackle “stranger stalking”. Stalking by someone known to the victim falls under domestic violence legislation.
Ms Rudd said: “Stalking can have devastating consequences and I am determined that we do all we can to protect victims from these prolonged and terrifying campaigns of abuse that can last years.”
The Home Office yesterday said one in five women and one in ten men will be victims of stalking in their lifetime.