Police Scotland is highlighting the impact of stalking and harassment during National Stalking Awareness Week, as new figures show hundreds of cases reported across the country.
The awareness week, running from 20 to 26 April, is being marked in partnership with Action Against Stalking to raise understanding of the issue and encourage victims to seek support.
Police Scotland recorded 744 stalking offences between 1 April and 31 December 2025, up from 686 during the same period the previous year.
Detection rates remained high at 78.13% in 2025 compared to 80.88% in 2024, with almost half of all recorded offences linked to domestic abuse.
The figures underline the scale of the issue and the often hidden nature of stalking, which can have a lasting and serious impact on victims’ lives.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Sergeant, Police Scotland’s lead for domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, said:
“The impact of stalking and harassment on victims cannot be underestimated.
“As well as causing fear and alarm, it impacts on how they live their lives, how safe they feel, how they act and how they react.
“Police Scotland will continue to collaborate with partner agencies to protect and support victims of stalking and actively pursue perpetrators to prevent further harm.
“Every stalking situation is unique, but most stalkers demonstrate FOUR distinct types of behaviours: fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated.
“Victims can be subjected to unwanted calls, texts, or messages.
“It can include hacking into devices and installing tracking apps, taking control of someone’s social media profile, or sharing or threatening to share photos, videos, or personal information.
“If you or anyone you know is a victim of stalking, then please contact the police.
“We will listen.
“Information people share with us is vital in helping us put together that jigsaw of incidents and behaviours that taken together allows us to evidence stalking.
“Action Against Stalking advises keeping a log of incidents, and this can be extremely helpful for our investigations.
“We will assess the risk, put in place a safety plan and work with partners to ensure support is available.
“National Stalking Awareness Week is a reminder to us all of the impact of stalking and harassment and the importance of partnership in tackling this insidious abuse.”
Hayley Tennant, Chief Executive of Action Against Stalking, said:
“Stalking can have a devastating and long lasting impact on victims, affecting their sense of safety, wellbeing, and everyday freedom.
“It is not a series of minor incidents but a pattern of behaviour that can escalate and cause serious harm.
“National Stalking Awareness Week is an opportunity to remind victims that they are not alone, that support is available, and that early reporting and documenting incidents can be crucial in helping them regain control and stay safe.
“We always encourage individuals who are experiencing stalking to contact and report to Police Scotland.”
The message from both organisations is clear, that early reporting, careful documentation and support from partner agencies can make a significant difference in protecting victims and preventing further harm.
