POLICE are raising awareness of the dangers of stalking.

Officers across Dorset are warning of the pattern that occurs in cases of stalking including unwanted, fixated and obsessive behaviour, which is intrusive.

Examples of stalking can include harassment or causing fear through violence or serious alarm and distress.

A spokeswoman from Dorset Police said: "Anyone can be a stalker and anyone can be stalked.

"In cases of stalking there is a pattern of unwanted, fixated and obsessive behaviour which is intrusive.

"It can include harassment that amounts to stalking or stalking that causes fear of violence or serious alarm or distress.

"This can happen in person, online or through social media, it is the pattern that is significant.

"To identify stalking, use the four mnemonic, which includes fixatation, obsession, unwanted attention, and repeated paladin.

"If you recognise these stalking behaviours in yourself, don’t be in any doubt - it’s not romantic."

The National Stalking Advocacy Service offers support to all high risk victims of stalking and have a team specialising in support.

For more email: info@paladinservice.co.uk, or visit www.paladinservice.co.uk.

In an emergency always call 999, but to report non-emergencies contact 101.