THE number of prosecutions against stalking crimes in the West Midlands reached a record high last year, new figures show.

The most recent figures from the Ministry of Justice show 102 stalking crimes – including breaches of stalking orders and racially or religiously motivated stalking – were prosecuted against in the West Midlands.

It was a significant increase from 55 prosecutions the year before, and the highest since records began in 2010.

Across England and Wales, there was a record number of prosecutions for stalking offences last year, reaching 3,166. It was a 27 per cent increase on the year before.

Of the prosecutions in the West Midlands, 72 resulted in a sentence, including 24 custodial sentences. The average custodial sentence length was 15 months.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: "Stalking consumes a victim's world; they are forced to change their daily routines and often are left in fear of their life."

They added the CPS does not "underestimate the devastating impact this has on victims".

"We are continuing to work closely with police to build a picture of a suspect’s manipulative behaviour and actions to present a robust case in court while utilising protective orders to safeguard victims from repeat offending."

The recent Crime Survey for England and Wales by the Office for National Statistics shows around one in seven people aged 16 years and older in England and Wales have been a victim of stalking at least once.

It found women and young people were more likely to be a victim.

Separately, West Midlands Police recorded 39,600 stalking and harassment crimes in the year to March – down from 51,100 the year before.

Police forces across England and Wales recorded a 10 per cent decline in stalking and harassment crimes, with 637,700 in 2023-24.

Responding to the IOPC report, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said: "Behind the findings in this report are heart-breaking testimonies from victims. Stalking is an insidious crime that can leave survivors traumatised."

She added the Government is "actively considering" the recommendations in the report, looking at how it can work with the police to overhaul the response to this crime and "put more perpetrators behind bars".

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said of the figures: "Stalking and harassment has devastating effects on people's lives and we work hard to bring those to justice who bring misery to their victims lives.

"All reports of stalking are taken incredibly seriously and earlier this year we launched a film, as part of National Stalking Awareness Week, to empower victims to recognise the signs and seek help.

"We have been working hard over the years to improve our response to stalking.

"Updated training and guidance for officers and staff has been implemented nationally, which focuses on better understanding of stalking and harassment behaviours, the impact on victims and maximising existing police powers to pursue offenders and safeguard victims.

"We would encourage anyone who thinks they are being stalked to report it to police straightaway. If you’re in immediate danger, call 999, otherwise you can report or by calling 101."