Latest news with #KatieCuthbertson

Western Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Western Telegraph
Dyfed-Powys Police: Nearly 1,000 stalking incidents in year
The force revealed this figure as it participates in Stalking Awareness Week, a national campaign aimed at highlighting the severe impact of stalking. The police said they receive about three calls every day reporting stalking behaviour. Detective Inspector Katie Cuthbertson said: "It is incredibly important that we as a force support Stalking Awareness Week, as not only is working towards the elimination of stalking one of our force priorities, but we know the overwhelming effect it can have on victims." The force has recorded 990 instances of stalking since Stalking Awareness Week 2024 and currently has 186 live stalking investigations. Six Stalking Protection Orders are in place against offenders. DI Cuthbertson added: "Anyone can become a victim of stalking, and while a significant proportion of victims are stalked by former partners, perpetrators can be acquaintances or even strangers with no connection at all to their victims. "It is still a very misunderstood crime type, and we are using this week to educate our communities about just how serious it can be." The force's social media campaign this week shares the real-life experiences of two women who have suffered at the hands of a stalker, highlighting the signs of stalking and advising on where to find help and support. One woman described feeling 'hyper vigilant' and constantly on edge following her former partner's actions, while the other feels 'like a prisoner in her own home' after a man she barely knew stalked her for 12 years. DI Cuthbertson said: "I would like to thank these two women for speaking out and sharing their experiences, which will undoubtedly help others to understand not only the signs of stalking, but how it can turn victims' lives upside down." She explained that stalking behaviours can appear innocuous, from leaving flowers and gifts to sending frequent messages, which makes it difficult for victims to explain to family and friends why they are living in fear. "The true risk to the victim is often masked by the appearance of low-level offending behaviours, however it is considered a high risk crime type," she said. "The impact of stalking often has a substantial adverse effect upon a victim's life and stalking without violence can still cause harm. "Their voice needs to be heard in every case." For more information on stalking and where to find help, visit the Dyfed-Powys Police website.


South Wales Guardian
24-04-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Dyfed-Powys Police: Nearly 1,000 stalking incidents in year
The force revealed this figure as it participates in Stalking Awareness Week, a national campaign aimed at highlighting the severe impact of stalking. The police said they receive about three calls every day reporting stalking behaviour. Detective Inspector Katie Cuthbertson said: "It is incredibly important that we as a force support Stalking Awareness Week, as not only is working towards the elimination of stalking one of our force priorities, but we know the overwhelming effect it can have on victims." The force has recorded 990 instances of stalking since Stalking Awareness Week 2024 and currently has 186 live stalking investigations. Six Stalking Protection Orders are in place against offenders. DI Cuthbertson added: "Anyone can become a victim of stalking, and while a significant proportion of victims are stalked by former partners, perpetrators can be acquaintances or even strangers with no connection at all to their victims. "It is still a very misunderstood crime type, and we are using this week to educate our communities about just how serious it can be." The force's social media campaign this week shares the real-life experiences of two women who have suffered at the hands of a stalker, highlighting the signs of stalking and advising on where to find help and support. One woman described feeling 'hyper vigilant' and constantly on edge following her former partner's actions, while the other feels 'like a prisoner in her own home' after a man she barely knew stalked her for 12 years. DI Cuthbertson said: "I would like to thank these two women for speaking out and sharing their experiences, which will undoubtedly help others to understand not only the signs of stalking, but how it can turn victims' lives upside down." She explained that stalking behaviours can appear innocuous, from leaving flowers and gifts to sending frequent messages, which makes it difficult for victims to explain to family and friends why they are living in fear. "The true risk to the victim is often masked by the appearance of low-level offending behaviours, however it is considered a high risk crime type," she said. "The impact of stalking often has a substantial adverse effect upon a victim's life and stalking without violence can still cause harm. "Their voice needs to be heard in every case." For more information on stalking and where to find help, visit the Dyfed-Powys Police website.