Stalking cases reported to the police have trebled to almost 90,000 in a year

STALKING cases reported to the police have trebled to almost 90,000 in a year, figures reveal.

But the proportion of alleged offenders being charged has fallen to just seven per cent.

It means police and prosecutors are giving up on more than 200 cases every day in England and Wales.

Stalking cases reported to police surged to 87,415 between April 2020 and April 2021, up from 27,053 the previous year, according to Home Office figures.

But the number of alleged offenders being charged only rose to 6,283 (7%) from 3,068 (11%).

The worst-performing forces hit less than three per cent.

It is feared lockdowns aided the rise, with victims stuck at home becoming “sitting ducks” for stalkers.

Of the 87,415 cases, 78,039 were dropped because detectives could not identify a suspect or there were problems with the evidence.

Another 1,519 were ditched as authorities decided a charge was not in the public interest.

In 1,000 cases last year the culprit was caught but let off with a caution.

Stalking victims charity Paladin said: “Lives are being put at risk by the poor police response.”

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “We continue to work with victim groups to improve our response to stalking.”