STALKERS will be hit with court orders as soon as their victims raise the alarm under a new crackdown.
Ministers are set to hand police powers to apply for measures to stop perpetrators who torment strangers, acquaintances or work colleagues before their fixations spiral out of control.
Under the plans, suspects could be ordered to stay away from their targets or have their internet use restricted even if they have not yet been arrested or charged.
Stalking Protection Orders will be available whether or not there are criminal proceedings so victims are given protection as soon as they seek help from authorities, while investigators gather evidence ahead of possible prosecution.
They are aimed particularly at halting "stranger stalking" before it escalates and build on Domestic Violent Protection Orders, which were rolled out in 2014 to clamp down on abusive partners and spouses.
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