London’s stalking victims failed by system, says commissioner

One in five women and one in 10 men in the UK have been victims of stalking, according to the report.

The report said stalking was often mis-recorded by the police because officers were unable to identify stalking behaviours, their escalation and the risk they posed to victims.

“With children disproportionately affected by the most serious forms of stalking, the need for reform is clear,” the report said.

Cdr Kevin Southworth, the Met’s public protection lead, said the force welcomed the report’s findings and recognised the need for change.

“The Met is transforming the way it protects the public from harm, better targeting predatory offenders and identifying stalkers as early as possible,” he said.

The review has made 13 recommendations to the Met, the government and Mopac to overhaul the justice system’s response to stalking.