THE Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Dorset has said he is 'committed to doing everything I can' to support victims of stalking - after it was reported that Dorset Police have not made any use of new legal powers to protect them.

Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) are a new civil power available to police which impose restrictions on suspected stalkers.

They are designed to make it easier to curb the behaviour of stalkers, with a lower burden of proof required than for a criminal conviction.

READ MORE: Dorset Police 'not doing enough' to protect stalking victims

The latest data reveals that Dorset Police is one of just four forces to have failed to apply for a single order, which have been available to police forces in England and Wales since January 2020.

In Dorset no orders were applied for, despite a sharp spike in stalking incidents - in 2019 there were 416 incidents of stalking compared to 780 incidents in 2020.

According to the data, the force has a charge rate of 7.4 per cent for stalking offences – out of a 416 offences, 47 resulted in charges between 2019 and 2020.

Incidents of stalking within the county have risen by 88 per cent in the past five years yet the charge rate for perpetrators has dropped.

David Sidwick, PCC for Dorset, said: “Over the past few years I’ve listened to some horrific accounts from a number of victims of stalking, including campaigner Sam Bumford, about the impact that this destructive crime has had on them.

“I am committed to doing everything I can to help, and improving the support that’s available for victims of stalking will form an important element of the Police And Crime Plan for Dorset which I am currently developing.

“I was glad to see the introduction of Stalking Protection Orders, which along with other measures like Non Molestation Orders form an important part of the toolkit enabling the police to protect victims.

“I am aware that this relatively new measure has not been used as yet in Dorset but see that changing as we move forward, particularly as Dorset Police’s Vulnerability Lawyers are working closely with officers to identify cases which are suitable for SPOs and are expecting a number of cases to go to court in the near future.

“But there is more we can do, and I look forward to working closely with Dorset Police and other agencies to make sure victims receive the best support possible.

“I would like to reiterate the Force’s advice that anyone who is experiencing persistent and unwanted attention that is making them feel anxious should contact them on 101 (email or phone), or call 999 in an emergency.”

SPOs usually remain in place for two years and can include requirements for the stalker to seek treatment and surrender devices.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, examples of restrictions that could be imposed on a stalker include banning them from entering certain locations or areas, contacting the victim by any means, making reference (directly or indirectly) about the victim on social media and so on.

If you’re experiencing persistent and unwanted attention, and the behaviour is making you feel fearful, harassed or anxious, then contact Dorset Police online at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Anyone looking for support as a result of stalking and harassment can also contact the Dorset-based charity You First.