London's Metropolitan Police are taking targeted action during National Stalking Awareness week across the capital.

There are now more than 1,000 stalking cases per month compared with 200 cases per month prior to April 2020.

The police believe this may be down to the fact that there is an increased intolerance of stalking in society, so victims are more willing to come forward.

According to the Met website there were 17 reports of harassment and stalking in the St Mary's Park, Battersea police ward in February 2022.

Stalking Awareness week runs Monday April 25 to Friday April 29 and is led by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust in partnership with police forces.

Reports show that in 2020-21, 100% of the 22,676 victims who contacted The National Stalking Helpline reported the presence of a cyber-element by stalkers.

This week advocates from the Trust will be providing training events for the Met's officers and staff, helping to further educate them on stalking typologies and providing investigative tips to take robust action, as well as supporting victims.

Working with the Stalking Threat Assessment Centra, the Met aims to reduce reoffending and improve public safety.

It works to increase early intervention to reduce the risk of offenders becoming violent and improve their response to victims.

One man who was jailed after being convicted of stalking and causing serious harm and distress said: "I know it sounds bizarre and going to prison was horrendous, but it's afforded me the opportunity to start afresh and fix a lot of problems in my life.

"I was on a destructive spiral mentally and my new life is so much better as a result of your [The Met's] intervention. And on top of that I now have a greater understanding and awareness of the way I was behaving and I'm glad I was educated at an early age to put me on the right path. And on top of all that you treated me with respect."

Commander Kevin Southworth, added: "We know stalking can ruin lives and we would urge victims of this crime to come forward to police.

"Stalking advocates are available to provide independent support and advice to victims. We will continue to work with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and other partners to ensure we are doing everything possible to support victims of this crime.

"I would like to urge those responsible to seek help to stop their behaviour. We want to ensure they get the help they need. Far from being in any position of power over their victims, they are in fact in need of help themselves – if you don't seek help you will end up in prison for the hurt and pain you are causing.

"We want women and girls to feel confident that when they report violence, stalking, harassment and abuse, we will take it seriously. This is really important to us."

To get stalking advice and help visit suzylamplugh.org or call 0808 802 0300. In an emergency always dial 999.