STALKING offences are set to hit a record high this year in Dorset, figures suggest.

Home Office data shows that the number of stalking offences recorded in the six months between April and September by Dorset Police, is already 33 per cent higher than the amount recorded during the whole previous year.

The force recorded 560 stalking offences between April and September – in the 12 months to March 2020 there were 421.

It means that in the first six months since the coronavirus pandemic hit, stalking was reported three times a day on average.

As lockdown restrictions eased in June, a higher number of victims came forward to report stalking, compared to the first lockdown months. Between June and September, 331 such crimes were reported in Dorset – 102 more than the previous three months.

Across England and Wales, 44,990 stalking incidents were reported to police between April and September – 39 per cent more than in the whole of 2019-20.

In January 2020, the Home Office introduced Stalking Protection Orders, which ban perpetrators from approaching their victims and may also force them to seek professional help.

Changes to the way stalking is recorded were also introduced in April 2019, with the crime being recorded in addition to the most serious offence involving the same victim or offender.

Since April 2020, all cases of harassment reported between ex-partners must also be recorded as stalking, unless the police are satisfied stalking is not a factor.

Victoria Atkins, Safeguarding Minister, said: “The Government introduced Stalking Protection Orders last year to crack down on this deeply distressing crime, and I know that police forces are making good use of them.

"These orders are designed to stop perpetrators at the earliest opportunity and prevent them contacting victims - for those who refuse to be rehabilitated, we have doubled maximum sentences for stalking and harassment to 10 years."

Acting Detective Superintendent Jim Beashel, of Dorset Police, said: "Dorset Police treats all reports of stalking seriously and it is a priority for the Force to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

"The impact this type of crime can have on a victim can be devastating and long-lasting.

"We recognise there has been an increase in offences, this is likely to be partly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects a national increase in domestic related incidents.

"We also saw changes to the way these offences were recorded in April 2020, with harassment offences that are domestic related now recorded as stalking offences.

"Dorset Police works closely with partners and other agencies to encourage reporting and to support victims. The Dorset Stalking Clinic sees core agencies working together with the aim of sharing detailed information to ensure the best possible practice is followed in relation to safeguarding and crime prevention.

"We are continuing to raise awareness of stalking offences with our staff and officers to ensure that victims are listened to, supported, and investigations are conducted as effectively as possible. All new recruits are trained in dealing with stalking and harassment offences.

"I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of stalking to have the confidence to come forward and contact Dorset Police. We are here to help and have officers trained to support you."