### Shocking Stalking Crisis Unfolds in a Quiet Region of Wales
In a region of Wales better known for its peaceful surroundings than for crime, a hidden epidemic is leaving women frightened, isolated, and – in the very worst cases – feeling suicidal. Stalking, often described as an “invisible crime,” is on the rise. According to Dyfed Powys Police, nearly 1,000 incidents of stalking were reported to the force over the past year alone, amounting to an average of three reports each day. Behind these statistics are real women whose lives have been changed forever, and their stories highlight just how manipulative, relentless, and devastating stalking can be.
For Lara (not her real name), the nightmare of being stalked began more than a decade ago. She met a man she refers to as David by chance, never imagining the encounter would lead to years of psychological torment. What started as apparently innocent gestures – a note, some flowers – quickly morphed into daily contact and escalating demands. When Lara refused David’s suggestion to move in together, she hoped their contact would end. Instead, his presence in her life intensified.
David started making himself a fixture in Lara’s community – turning up in shops, at schools, and local businesses. Despite being frightened, Lara felt powerless to report what was happening. “It was so manipulative and clever,” she recounts. “I saw him everywhere; it was like he was infiltrating every part of my life.” As David gained the trust of people in her social circles, his behaviour became bolder – he was soon parking just a few doors away from her home and sitting outside for hours.
The fear soon consumed Lara’s life. She closed her social media accounts to avoid contact, isolated herself from friends, installed extra security, and even kept a hammer upstairs for protection. “I was completely held prisoner by my own fear,” she says, detailing how normal daily tasks – letting the cat out or taking the rubbish out – became impossible. “I realised I could no longer trust anyone around me – I was terrified of every car, every voice, even the local police, unsure who might be feeding David information.”
After years of gathering evidence – photos, videos, logs of dates and times – Lara finally went to the police. At first, attempts to secure a stalking protection order failed due to strict evidence thresholds, but after a third application, enough evidence was amassed to succeed. The Home Office has since lowered the bar for such orders. Stalking Protection Orders are designed to keep victims safe by placing restrictions on the perpetrator, including banning contact and requiring intervention programmes.
Even with legal measures in place, the psychological damage remains. Lara describes the experience as “psychological terror”. She admits there were moments she felt her life was genuinely at risk. “I got used to the fact I could be killed,” she reveals. “I had even told my parents what to do if that happened.” For Lara, the worst aspect was not overt threats or physical violence, but the unseen manipulation and power David wielded over her life.
Another woman, Megan, shared her ordeal after being stalked for months by her ex-partner, Dean. Vulnerable following a break-up and adjusting to life as a single mother, Megan was initially swept off her feet by Dean’s charm. The relationship progressed rapidly, but Dean’s behaviour quickly revealed a controlling side: he insisted on all-night video calls, monitored her through smart devices, and made constant unannounced appearances near her home.
Despite ending the relationship, the stalking intensified. Megan describes being subjected to threats, emotional blackmail, and intimidating behaviour. Dean would listen through her Alexa, follow her with his car, and make his presence known at her workplace and at home, all while maintaining a well-crafted façade as a caring father. “He made me feel as if I was going crazy,” Megan explains. “He was clever about it – he would cough as he walked past my house so I’d know he was there, but I couldn’t report someone for coughing.”
Megan found herself in a constant state of hyper-vigilance, installing home security devices and fearing for her safety. On one occasion, after a violent altercation, Dean was arrested but the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence. Even so, Megan managed to secure a civil non-molestation order, which offered some legal protection, but the anxiety and disruption remain with her to this day. “I didn’t sleep; I had to be constantly ready. Even now, I feel like I’ve come out of a warzone.”
Dyfed Powys Police are using stories like Lara’s and Megan’s to highlight the seriousness of stalking during Stalking Awareness Week. The force is currently dealing with almost 200 live stalking investigations and has several Stalking Protection Orders in place. Detective Inspector Katie Cuthbertson stresses the importance of recognising stalking for what it is: a pattern of obsessive, unwanted, and repetitive behaviour that is often dismissed or minimised by others.
Both Lara and Megan urge anyone subjected to stalking to keep reporting incidents to the police, no matter how small they seem. Their experiences are a disturbing reminder that stalking is a psychological crime with a long-lasting impact, and one that can happen to anyone – in any community, at any time. Their bravery in speaking out is not just an appeal for support, but a powerful call for better awareness, understanding, and protection for victims everywhere.