PCC bids for Home Office funding to tackle rise in harassment and stalking-related behaviours

After latest crime data saw a rise in harassment offences across West Mercia, PCC John Campion has taken the opportunity to bid for Home Office funding to introduce a new programme aimed at stopping harmful behaviour before they escalate. 

If successful, the funding would support the rollout of the Compulsive and Obsessive Behaviour Intervention (COBI) programme. The programme is designed to work with individuals displaying concerning obsessive or fixated behaviours that can lead to harassment and stalking, helping them change their behaviour and reducing the risk of future harm. 

The bid follows recent figures showing an 11% increase in stalking and harassment and an 8% increase in sexual offences across West Mercia, which highlights a need for early intervention and preventative action. 

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their daily lives, but recent increases in harassment offences show there is more work to do to tackle behaviour that can have a devastating impact on victims. 

“I'm pleased that the Government has made this funding available, as it enables us to take a proactive approach to tackling stalking and harassment and deliver positive change by introducing a successful programme across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire. 

"While it's vital we continue to hold offenders to account, we also have to look at ways of preventing harm in the first place. By tackling the behaviours that can lead to stalking and harassment, we have the chance to better protect victims, reduce future offending and make our communities safer.”