A STALKING victim has helped launch a Glasgow campaign highlighting the warning signs of a crime which ruins lives.

Ann Moulds, who endured years of torment, is at the heart of a multi-agency campaign designed to make people aware of the early signs of stalking and urging them to get help.

Glasgow Community and Safety Services has produced two short films outlining how incidents that might seem innocent can be signs of stalking.

The crime is increasing due, in part, to the widespread use of new technology.

Social networking sites make it easy for people to learn details about their victim and computers and mobile phones give them virtual access to their home.

Since 2010, police across Scotland have investigated 1001 stalking cases and 761 people have been reported to the procurator fiscal.

The films point out people are not only stalked by strangers but also by acquaintances, colleagues or, most commonly, a former intimate partner.

Often, people suffering unwanted attention may not initially recognise it as stalking.

Warning signs can include unwanted gifts or texts, a work colleague interfering with items on your desk or an acquaintance turning up at a venue where they know you will be.

Sometimes stalkers create a crisis for their targets so they can come to their rescue.

That could include something such as your mobile phone or keys going missing, only to be found and returned by the perpetrator.

"Stalking exists in many forms. It could be unwanted attention or behaviour from an ex-partner and could include telephone calls, text messages or more threatening behaviours such as appearing at your workplace or home unannounced and unwarranted.

"These types of behaviours can be terrifying, debilitating and can seriously affect a person's quality of life in so many ways.

"I would urge any person experiencing such unwanted attention to get in touch with police.

"We will provide you with advice and refer you to one of our partner agencies for support.

"If you feel you are a victim of stalking or harassment, please seek help."

Glasgow councillor Nina Baker got involved in setting up the campaign after meeting Ms Moulds.

She said: "Stalking is something we hear about happening to high profile celebrities, or when it ends in tragedy, but it also happens to ordinary people, whose lives can be ruined even if it does not develop into violence.

"Through this campaign we want people to recognise the early warning signs of stalking and to seek help before it progresses."

Anyone who fears they may be a victim of stalking should contact Police Scotland, the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300, or Action Scotland Against Stalking by sending an e-mailing to: stalking. scotland@yahoo.co.uk

vivienne.nicoll @eveningtimes.co.uk

ANN Moulds, from Ayrshire, is a survivor of one of the longest and worst stalking cases in Scotland.

She said: "A man tenaciously terrorised me for over three years, remaining anonymous for more than two of these years before finally being caught.

"Even after being charged he continued his lewd behaviour. He destroyed my life, my business, my family. To gain a sense of safety, I decided to relocate more than 80 miles away, leaving behind my home of 30 years, my family and my friends.

"His contact was by letter of a sexually violent and sado-masochistic nature, along with disturbing photographs, lingerie sent through the post and silent phone calls.

"The escalation of his behaviour came through his letters, which gradually increased in sexual fantasy and deviation."

"This man, who was of delusional typology and a sexual predator, received a lenient community service order, probation and listing on the Sex Offenders' Register for only three years.

"Today, this sex terrorist remains free to walk the streets where I once lived."

Ann set up the award-winning campaign Action Scotland Against Stalking, which helps victims, and successfully campaigned for stalking to be made a criminal offence.

SHARON was happily married and pregnant when her world fell apart.

Out of the blue, she began receiving e-mails threatening her and those closest to her.

She said: "They referred to rape, sexual assault, my unborn child dying, razor blades.

"There were even threats against my work colleagues.

"There was mention of a hanging – it was mine.

"I knew an attack was imminent but didn't know when or where."

Sharon, 32, admitted she felt powerless in the face of an unknown enemy and became convinced he was in her home every time she heard a floorboard creak.

She also became scared to return home for fear of what she would find.

Eventually the police caught her tormentor, who was jailed for four years.

She said: "His incarceration gave me temporary liberty but his freedom incarcerated me again.

"This horrible man, whom I have never met and never wanted to meet, forced himself into a relationship with me against my will.

"His stalking never ends. Wherever I go, I will be looking over my shoulder expecting to see him.

"I will never get rid of him."