1,800 offences from Facebook stalkers in the West Midlands

Crimes included disclosure of private, sexual photographs and films, racially and religiously aggravated harassment, stalking involving fear of violence, serious alarm or distress and breaches of restraining orders.

The figures, which have been released under Freedom of Information laws, show that cyber-bullies and internet trolls are still rife in our communities and people are using the internet to make others lives a misery, according to police.

Of the 1,841 incidents recorded by West Midlands Police, 290 people were charged, including 124 youths.

Warnings were issued to 38 people and cautions were given to 54, which included 15 young people and 39 adults.

On 240 occasions, cases were dropped due to evidential difficulties, and 583 cases were listed as no detection or outcome yet.

Community resolutions were the outcome in 273 of the cases.

Detective Superintendent Angie Whitaker, from West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit, said: "With the growing popularity of smartphones and tablets, it is now easier than ever for people to communicate with one another.

"Sadly, some people use that opportunity to make other people's lives a misery and we take such harassment extremely seriously. Most of the cases in the figures released by West Midlands Police are domestic-related where it can be an indicator of an offender's escalating behaviour.

"We believe an increase in reporting of domestic abuse, shows victims have greater confidence they will be listened to by our officers, taken seriously, and their report will be investigated fully. We are determined to tackle domestic abuse offending in all its forms. This also includes when it happens online - and through Operation Sentinel we have raised awareness of under-reported domestic crimes. More people are coming forward to talk to us about domestic abuse and our officers have the skills to support and safeguard victims, and prosecute offenders.

"The new coercive legislation makes controlling behaviour an offence, which gives us greater powers to bring domestic abuse offenders to justice.

"This has led to a rise in those types of offences being recorded. The introduction of stalking legislation in 2012 - meaning all front line officers and staff are now fully trained in spotting the signs of stalking and harassment - is also a factor in the increase."

For information, advice and support on stalking and harassment call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 or visit: www.suzy lamplugh.org