Stalking cases double in Tayside and Fife

The numbers were revealed under a freedom of information request by The Courier. Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court has seen the biggest surge in cases, with three times as many cases in 2015 compared to 2013.

The trend looks set to continue with the number of appearances in the first five months of this year already above those from 2013 as a whole.

Dundee, Dunfermline, Forfar and Kirkcaldy courts have all seen a noticeable rise, while figures in Perth have remained static.

In 2015 there were 201 appearances for stalking charges across the six courts, compared to just 84 in 2013.

The figures also showed the number of cases which led to imprisonment has been 14.2 per cent this year – a significant jump from 5.95 per cent in 2013.

Mary Miller, manager of Dundee Women’s Aid, said: “What I believe the increase is down to is a more productive approach from Police Scotland and the Crown Office. They are now picking up where there is stalking. There is a better recognition when women are experiencing it.

“I see it as a positive thing that it has increased. I think there is a lot more publicity. It probably wasn’t taken as seriously in the past.”

In the 2014-15 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey, it was revealed that 6.4 per cent of adults across Scotland experienced at least one type of stalking in the last 12 months.

45 per cent had received unwanted emails and texts, 32.7 per cent received silent, threatening or unwanted phone calls, and 21.9 per cent were subject to obscene or threatening online contact.

The survey showed that 6.8 per cent of women and 6.0 per cent of men have experienced at least one type of stalking and harassment.

Police Chief Superintendent Barry McEwan, of the licensing and violence reduction division, said: “Police Scotland recognises stalking as a serious form of abuse and a potentially dangerous crime. It can be a terrifying and debilitating experience for victims, their families and often their friends.

“Police Scotland is committed to providing a robust response, and our officers are trained to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the support and protection they deserve when faced with the trauma of stalking.”

The surge in cases could partly be attributed to the fact that police are taking a tougher approach on stalking, however it is likely that the number of reported incidents could be down to the emergence and increased use of social media sites.