### Rise in Stalking Cases Highlights Increasing Use of Technology in Greater Manchester
A disturbing trend is emerging in Greater Manchester, where stalkers are resorting to increasingly sophisticated techniques to observe and harass their victims. In one particularly unsettling case, a teddy bear with a hidden camera sewn into it was gifted to a victim by a stalker, highlighting the extreme lengths some individuals will go to maintain control and surveillance.
Experts and advocates are drawing attention to what they describe as a significant rise in stalking incidents across the region. According to recent figures, Greater Manchester has seen over 27,000 stalking incidents reported in the last three years alone—a worrying 28% surge compared to previous periods. The majority of these cases stem from ‘domestic-related’ circumstances, involving former partners, but a notable number now also include victims with no previous connection to their stalker.
Victim advocates are becoming increasingly alarmed by the evolving nature of stalking, especially as technology becomes a more prominent tool for abusers. Anna Morgan, an independent stalking advocacy caseworker at Manchester Women’s Aid, notes that what may appear harmless—such as repeated messages or gifts—can escalate into more dangerous behaviours. Morgan and her colleagues stress that stalking is often a precursor to more serious offences, sometimes with fatal outcomes.
One such tragic case was that of Caroline Gore. Despite her former partner, David Liptrot, being repeatedly arrested and sentenced for stalking and violating restraining orders, the legal consequences did not deter him. Within a month of a court-ordered release and a series of breaches, Caroline was murdered in her own flat. This horrific event has led campaigners, including Manchester Evening News, to call for more stringent measures such as mandatory minimum sentences and electronic monitoring for those who violate protective orders.
Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs), introduced five years ago, have been increasingly utilised as a judicial tool to safeguard victims. These orders impose strict requirements and restrictions on perpetrators, with breaches constituting a criminal offence. Detective Inspector Rebecca Jones of Greater Manchester Police emphasises the protective value of SPOs, but also points out that many victims may not initially recognise the behaviours as stalking—meaning many cases go unreported for extended periods.
The psychological toll of stalking can be severe, even when the harassing behaviour appears benign. Christie Webster from Manchester Women’s Aid recalls a case where a victim received innocuous love letters several times a week, hand-delivered from hundreds of miles away. Despite the absence of direct threats, the obsessive frequency and intrusion were clear signals of stalking under the “FOUR” model: Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted, and Repeated.
Crucially, experts highlight that stalking does not always manifest through constant engagement; it can come in waves, sometimes pausing for years before resuming, thus prolonging fear and anxiety for victims. In some cases, victims have reported being stalked for decades, even after moving significant distances, underscoring the persistence of certain offenders and the inadequacy of current preventative measures.
The digital dimension of stalking is adding a new layer of complexity. While still only accounting for 16 per cent of reported cases in the region, digital stalking is on the rise. Offenders are now hacking online accounts, monitoring electronic devices, and using hidden cameras or spyware to track their victims. There have even been reports of perpetrators sending children gifts containing covert recording devices, circumventing restraining orders through third parties.
In response, Greater Manchester Police have established a Stalking Triage Centre, offering specialised support to officers dealing with these complex cases. Collaboration between advocacy groups and police has reportedly led to an increase in the use of SPOs. Nonetheless, campaigners argue that these powers remain underutilised due to limited resources, insufficient training, and a lack of awareness among both the public and professionals.
Despite the challenges, police have secured positive outcomes for thousands of stalking victims over the past year, with continued efforts to clamp down on offenders. Authorities urge anyone experiencing stalking or harassment to come forward, assuring them of support and protection.
Greater Manchester residents can seek assistance by contacting GM Victims’ Service or reporting incidents directly to the police. Advocacy groups stress the importance of recognising early signs of stalking, both in digital and physical forms, and emphasise the need for cohesive action across law enforcement, health professionals, and the wider community to protect victims and prevent escalation.
As technology continues to evolve, so too does the threat posed by determined stalkers. Both preventative and punitive measures are now seen as essential if society is to turn the tide on this growing menace.