HELP IS at hand for stalking victims – that’s the message from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Victims Advocate for the West Midlands.
Following the guilty verdict of a Birmingham man who stalked ex pop star Myleene Klass the PCC, Simon Foster and Natalie Queiroz have issued advice on what to do if someone needs help.
The duo say people being contacted through social media or on their phone should ‘mute not block’ the stalker – keeping a record of messages sent via screenshots which can be handed to police.
It comes after the former Hear’Say singer described her ‘sheer terror’ after Peter Windsor, 61, from Stechford, sent a gun, handcuffs and details of a DIY will kit to her.
Experts say the stalking advice is more likely to reduce the chance of the perpetrator’s behaviour accelerating should they see they have been blocked.
Victims Advocate for the West Midlands, Natalie Queiroz said: “Stalking is a crime that causes immense harm to victims, their families and communities. My heart goes out to Myleene Klass.
“No one should ever feel unsafe or be subject to repeated, unwanted behaviour in their daily lives, online or in person — and my priority is to ensure that victims are listened to, believed and supported, while offenders are held to account.
“We know stalking, like that which Myleene Klass has experienced, can happen both online and in person. That’s why it is vital we ask victims to ‘mute not block’ – reducing the risk of immediate escalation of behaviour.
“Here in the West Midlands we have a specialist stalking service help support survivors.
“Taking this action also preserves evidence so police can take robust action to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.”
The advice issued by the PCC and Victims Advocate includes:
- Do not block the stalker on your phone or social media — instead mute them so that evidence is preserved.
- Take screenshots of messages, emails and social media posts.
- Keep a diary of all unwanted contact, including dates, times and details of behaviour. If possible, you should make a note of how that contact made you feel.
- Tell someone you trust about what is happening and do not suffer in silence.
- If you are in immediate danger always call 999.
Victims of stalking are encouraged to report all incidents to West Midlands Police, either by calling 101, using the live chat function on West Midlands Police’s website and in an emergency, call 999.
