Police in Surrey set up something called the Jog On campaign, where female officers went jogging in regular running gear through spots known for harassment. It did not take long at all, within minutes men were honking, slowing down, making faces, or shouting things as they passed by.
Inspector John Vale said: “One of our officers was honked at within ten minutes, then another vehicle slowed down, beeping and making gestures just 30 seconds later, that’s how frequent it is.” He said they want to deal with the problem early because no one knows if it will escalate into something worse.
The campaign has already led to 18 arrests for different crimes like harassment, sexual attacks, and even theft. Some cases did not go that far, so officers tried to give warnings and explain why the behavior was wrong, hoping that a person would think twice before doing it again.
PC Abby Hayward, who took part, said: “We get catcalled. We get honked at. People slow down just to stare or lean out the window to shout something. It’s so common, but it’s harassment and it needs to be recognized as that.”
She also said that violence against women is rising and women are being spat at, stalked, or worse just for trying to run.
A few men even apologized after being stopped and admitted they had not realized how serious it was. Hayward said: “They said sorry to us, and it meant a lot as it shows this operation is working, we’re out here making change happen.” She said it was long overdue and she was glad to be part of it.
Inspector Vale said: “You don’t know if the woman you’re harassing is a police officer, and that’s the point, we want people to think twice before acting like this.”
He explained that surveys show harassment is under-reported, and many women never tell the police what happened.
He also made it clear that catcalling is not just a local problem but spread across the county. Vale said: “The message I would like to impart to perpetrators is this, your actions will not be tolerated.” He told men to ask themselves if they would want their sister or mother treated that way.
The Jog On campaign is part of a larger plan to protect women and girls in public spaces. Police said they have used the same undercover style in clubs and town centers before, and it has helped them spot predatory behavior.
A study from the University of Manchester showed that over two thirds of women had been harassed while jogging, but only a very small number ever went to police about it.
