Stalking victims are being murdered because cops trivialise the crime, watchdogs warn

In 2021, 23-year-old Gracie Spinks was stabbed to death by her stalker despite contacting Derbyshire Police for help. Watchdogs have called for urgent action to avoid the same thing happening again

Stalking victims are being murdered by their tormentors because police are “trivialising” the crime, watchdogs have warned. The Independent Office for Police Conduct, the Chief Inspector Of Constabulary and the College of Policing have called for urgent action.

A report sets out their concerns over botched investigations by forces. Gracie Spinks, 23, was stabbed to death by a stalker in 2021 after she was failed by Derbyshire Police, who last year apologised to her family.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said: “Behind the findings in this report are heart-breaking testimonies from victims.”