Daren Greener (pictured above), Managing Director at SYTECH, a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in digital forensics, cybersecurity, training and consultancy, is calling for increased support for digital forensics capabilities to help bring perpetrators to justice, stressing on the importance of earlier intervention in gateway crimes.

The ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year ending March 2025 reports that approximately 2.9% of adults, around 1.4 million people, experienced stalking during the previous year.

Daren says this level of prevalence shows that stalking remains a significant and persistent problem, and that it must be understood not only as a serious offence in its own right but also as a behaviour that frequently precedes more harmful forms of offending.

Daren explains that many gateway crimes begin with intrusive behaviour that is often digital in nature. In the case of stalking, this may include ongoing unwanted contact, monitoring through devices, persistent messaging or attempts to track a person’s movements. These actions, he notes, are frequently early indicators of a pattern that can escalate if it is not identified and addressed quickly. 

Daren argues that digital forensics plays a critical role in recognising these early signs, uncovering evidence that may otherwise remain hidden and allowing authorities to intervene before the behaviour becomes more dangerous.

He stresses that the ONS figures show how widespread stalking is and how essential it is for forensic specialists to have the tools, training and capacity needed to examine digital evidence thoroughly and at the earliest opportunity. 

According to Daren, this early intervention is vital because gateway crimes tend to develop in severity when initial behaviour is overlooked or dismissed. 

By improving the ability to analyse digital data at the first indication of stalking, law enforcement can take timely action, provide stronger protection for victims and increase the likelihood that offenders are held accountable.

Daren is urging authorities to recognise that investment in digital forensics is a fundamental part of preventing escalation in gateway crimes. He states that enhancing forensic capability will support more proactive investigations, improve victim safety and ensure that early warning signs identified in the ONS data are acted upon rather than missed.

Daren Greener, Managing Director at SYTECH, said: “The latest ONS data makes clear that stalking remains a widespread and deeply damaging crime, and too often it marks the beginning of a pattern that escalates into more serious offending.

If we are serious about breaking that trajectory, we must be able to identify and respond to the earliest digital signs of harmful behaviour. That requires proper investment in digital forensics. 

With stronger resources, better tools and more capacity, we can intervene sooner, protect victims more effectively and ensure that those responsible are held to account before further harm occurs.”

Originating in 1978, SYTECH operates from UK offices offering a broad range of multi-disciplinary expertise. SYTECH specialises in forensic investigation, including digital device analysis, telecommunications, data recovery, and incident response, along with leading cyber security solutions including Cyber-Infrastructure Consultancy, Cyber Essentials Plus Certification, Penetration Testing, and Vulnerability Assessments.

SYTECH delivers precise, results-driven solutions through its highly experienced team of professional experts and analysts, ensuring client success across diverse and complex challenges.

The firm upholds a comprehensive portfolio of internationally recognised quality certifications, including ISO 17025, ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001, reflecting an unwavering commitment to excellence and operational integrity.

SYTECH provides comprehensive consultancy and training support to help organisations achieve and maintain these rigorous standards. Its expertise in ISO 17025 has expanded into industries such as water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, making SYTECH a trusted partner for operational compliance across sectors.