Video doorbells given to stalking and harassment victims

Victims of stalking and harassment in County Durham and Darlington are being given free video doorbells to help increase their safety.

As part of the initiative, high or medium risk victims of domestic stalking and harassment will be provided with doorbell cameras in a bid to provide extra reassurance, secure evidence, and deter offending.

Figures show there were 1,644 domestic stalking and harassment crimes recorded across the Durham Constabulary area in 2023, with 733 repeat victims.

One victim who has already received a video doorbell said: "After experiencing the most unimaginable trauma due to domestic abuse, having a video doorbell granted to our family has given my children and I a huge sense of protection and comfort - both when we're at home and also when we're away.

"It's a massive reassurance knowing that the property is protected which makes us feel much safer. The camera is really helping us to rebuild our life."

The £10,000 scheme has been funded by Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen and forms part of Durham Constabulary’s Stalking Response Action Plan.

Other initiatives implemented as part of the plan include the distribution of Smartwater forensic marking technology that allows officers to prove perpetrators have been in contact with a victim, an initiative to screen victims' phones for tracking software, and an internal review of crime recording practices to better understand the profile of stalking and harassment crimes in County Durham and Darlington.

The force has also been working with Paladin - the National Stalking Advocacy Service - to deliver stalking champions training to 20 frontline officers, and has worked with the Alice Ruggles Trust to deliver assemblies in 52 schools across the force area to raise awareness of the early signs of stalking behaviour.

Launching the initiative, PCC Joy Allen said: "I want every victim, survivor and potential victim of stalking to know that we take their safety and wellbeing extremely seriously. I give them my word that we will leave no stone unturned in the help and support we provide to protect them and help them recover.

"Stalking has a devastating psychological impact, causing distress, fear and anxiety that can last a lifetime. You cannot put a price on peace of mind, and so with the aid of these simple yet effective devices, we will provide a greater level of reassurance to help people regain their quality of life.”

Under the initiative, victims who are gifted video doorbells will be responsible for controlling their own device. There will be no ongoing subscription cost.

Durham Constabulary would only have access to the footage if it was provided as evidence as part of a subsequent investigation.

If you’re experiencing stalking or harassment, tell us – call 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Reports can also be made online at www.durham.police.uk  

For more advice and support:

• National Stalking Helpline – 0808 802 0300
• Suzy Lamplugh Trust – www.suzylamplugh.org
• Alice Ruggles Trust – www.alicerugglestrust.org
• Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service - www.paladinservice.co.uk