Police Hunt Joseph Lumb for Leeds Stalking and Coercive Behaviour

Key Points

• West Yorkshire Police are searching for Joseph Lumb, aged 37, wanted on suspicion of stalking and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour in Leeds.​
• Enquiries into Lumb have been ongoing since June 2025, and he is believed to be aware of his wanted status and evading law enforcement.​
• Lumb’s last known address is in the Harrogate area.​
• Safeguarding officers in Leeds are appealing for public help to locate him.​
• A formal statement from West Yorkshire Police highlights the public appeal for information on Lumb’s whereabouts.​

West Yorkshire Police have launched a public appeal to locate Joseph Lumb, a 37-year-old man wanted on suspicion of stalking and controlling and coercive behaviour in Leeds. As reported by Tom Coates of the Yorkshire Post, the force’s safeguarding officers are urging the public to come forward with any information about his whereabouts, amid ongoing enquiries since June 2025. Lumb, whose last known address is in the Harrogate area, is believed to be deliberately evading capture.​

A statement issued by West Yorkshire Police read:

“Safeguarding officers in Leeds are appealing for the public’s help in reporting any information about the whereabouts of wanted man Joseph Lumb”.

This appeal underscores the seriousness of the allegations, which fall under categories of offences that can have profound impacts on victims.​

Who is Joseph Lumb and What Are the Allegations?

Joseph Lumb, 37, is the subject of a police manhunt centred on Leeds. According to the official West Yorkshire Police wanted appeal, he faces suspicion for offences of stalking and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, reported to have taken place in the Leeds area. As detailed by Tom Coates of the Yorkshire Post, police enquiries into Lumb have been active since June 2025, indicating a prolonged investigation.​

The Yorkshire Post article specifies that Lumb is believed to be aware of his status as a wanted man and is actively evading law enforcement. His last known address was in the Harrogate area, a location north of Leeds in North Yorkshire, which may suggest possible movements within the region. West Yorkshire Police have linked the appeal directly to their safeguarding team in Leeds, emphasising the protective nature of the operation.​

Controlling and coercive behaviour, as defined under UK law, involves repeated acts that have a serious effect on a victim’s wellbeing, often in domestic contexts, while stalking entails a course of conduct causing fear or distress. No arrests or further developments on Lumb’s capture were noted in available reports as of 5 January 2026.​

Why Are Police Issuing a Public Appeal Now?

The timing of the public appeal aligns with ongoing efforts to safeguard potential victims in Leeds. West Yorkshire Police’s statement, as quoted in the Yorkshire Post by Tom Coates, explicitly calls for public assistance:

“Safeguarding officers in Leeds are appealing for the public’s help in reporting any information about the whereabouts of wanted man Joseph Lumb”.

This follows months of enquiries since June 2025, suggesting escalated measures to locate him.​

Reports indicate Lumb’s awareness of his wanted status, prompting police to broaden their search via media and public channels. The West Yorkshire Police news and appeals section lists this as a key wanted appeal, alongside other regional priorities. Such appeals are standard procedure when suspects evade initial efforts, aiming to leverage community vigilance.​

Where Might Joseph Lumb Be Located?

Lumb’s last known address places him in the Harrogate area, a spa town approximately 30 kilometres west of Leeds. Tom Coates of the Yorkshire Post reported this detail, noting its relevance to the police search. West Yorkshire Police have not specified current sightings but urge sightings anywhere to be reported immediately.​

Broader police news from West Yorkshire mentions wanted appeals in contexts like Harrogate or Knaresborough, though not directly tied to Lumb. The force’s coverage extends across districts, with Leeds safeguarding officers leading this case. Public tips could cover local areas, transport hubs, or accommodations in Harrogate, Leeds, or beyond.​

How Can the Public Assist West Yorkshire Police?

Members of the public are encouraged to contact West Yorkshire Police with any information, no matter how small. The official appeal on the West Yorkshire Police website details reporting options for sightings of Joseph Lumb. As per the statement covered by Tom Coates in the Yorkshire Post, direct reports to safeguarding officers are prioritised.​

Standard protocols include anonymous tips via Crimestoppers, alongside direct lines for non-emergencies. Police emphasise safety, advising against personal confrontation. This collaborative approach has proven effective in similar regional cases.​

What Do We Know About Similar Cases in the Region?

Controlling and coercive behaviour, alongside stalking, feature in various West Yorkshire reports. For instance, unrelated Leeds crime group posts discuss convictions for coercive control and stalking, highlighting judicial responses. West Yorkshire Police’s broader efforts include violence reduction units tackling related serious crimes.​

Historical police reports note programmes against domestic abuse perpetrators, relevant to these offences. The current appeal fits into ongoing safeguarding initiatives in Leeds and Harrogate districts. No direct links to Lumb appear in other cases, maintaining focus on this specific manhunt.​

What Happens Next in the Police Investigation?

West Yorkshire Police continue enquiries, with the public appeal marking a key escalation. As reported across sources, updates will follow any sightings or arrests. The force’s news page maintains active listings for such appeals.​

Safeguarding priorities suggest swift action upon location, potentially leading to charges. Regional crime units strengthen responses to organised elements, though this appears individual. Monitoring persists across Leeds and Harrogate.​

Background on Controlling and Coercive Behaviour Laws?

Under the Serious Crime Act 2015, controlling or coercive behaviour became a criminal offence in England and Wales, punishable by up to five years imprisonment. West Yorkshire Police reference this in appeals like Lumb’s. Stalking protections stem from the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, with enhancements via the Stalking Protection Act 2019.