Why it matters: Amy's terrifying experience was one of 848 stalking and harassment cases in Suffolk during 2024 and demonstrates how stalking can escalate from unwanted attention to genuine fear for personal safety.
Her case illustrates why early reporting is crucial, as victims often live in constant anxiety, forced to change their routines and restrict their movements while facing uncertainty about what might happen next.
The details: The victim, referred to as "Amy" (not her real name), became the fixation of a man who was almost 50 years older than her after she served him whilst working in a customer service job in a Suffolk town centre.
For more than a year, he would turn up at her place of work, just to stare at her, and he would walk into her workplace to try to have contact with her. He left cards inviting her to meet with him and confessed strong feelings for her, despite the fact that she had only interacted with him in a professional capacity.
"He appeared at my workplace regularly, sometimes multiple times a day… I was safe with security and cameras all over and people that knew of the situation… The times I saw him outside work were even more terrifying… It disturbed me thinking about his confidence to go an arms-length close to me… where he isn't being monitored… [because] he CAN," Amy said.
He would actively follow her outside of her workplace, even showing up when she attempted to change her route, turning up when she was out shopping away from work.
Once challenged about his behaviour by Amy's colleagues, he became aggressive and wrote a letter to her manager to complain about her, following which she became fearful of his intentions and that she was at real risk of physical violence.
Amy reported his activity to police, and following enquiries, he was arrested and charged with stalking three months later. Four months after he was charged, he was sentenced at a county court in Essex to four months' imprisonment, with further restrictions not to enter the town centre where Amy worked or to contact her.
What they're saying: Detective Chief Inspector Brett Harris said: "Stalking is a frightening offence that can happen to anyone. It can be a former partner, boyfriend or girlfriend, an acquaintance, a work colleague, or – as was the case in Amy's case - a complete stranger.
"In 2024 we had 848 victims report incidents of stalking and harassment in Suffolk, and we take each report incredibly seriously. Our priority is the safety of our communities and I want to encourage anyone who has been affected by this type of behaviour to contact police so that we can take steps to keep you safe."
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: "Stalking is a very frightening and distressing crime and I am reassured that Suffolk Constabulary takes all reports of stalking and harassment very seriously.
"I would urge anyone suffering from persistent and unwanted attention of this kind to contact the police immediately. It's not something that you should have to live with, and it's important that victims know there is help available."
For context: Stalking is categorised by the police using the FOUR behaviours: Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted, and Repeated.
What's next: Police can apply to the court for Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs), which are civil orders that help with early intervention.
These can be used to monitor a person's actions, impose restrictions or requirements, such as ensuring they stay away from certain locations, and if they breach these, they will be arrested. The aim is to address stalking behaviours before they escalate and to help protect victims from more serious harm.
The bottom line: Support is available through the National Stalking Helpline on 0802 802030, Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care on 0300 303 3706, or via the Suffolk Constabulary website for victims who may not feel ready to speak directly to police.
