West Mercia Police have released body-worn camera footage showing the moment drivers were pulled over for allegedly harassing female runners, as part of a new crackdown using female officers disguised as joggers. The operation, called 'Jog On', aims to tackle catcalling and horn beeping directed at women while running.
Undercover Operations and Research Findings
Plain-clothes female officers run in targeted locations and notify nearby teams if they experience harassment. The force stated that research revealed 68 per cent of female runners have experienced some form of harassment, such as catcalling and horn beeping. To date, six operations have been carried out, with harassing behaviour identified on three out of six occasions.
Bodycam Footage Shows Interceptions
The released footage captures two motorists who were stopped after beeping their horns at women. One lorry driver was told: "You've been identified as hooting your horn at female joggers. There's an operation that has been running as violence against women and girls is on the increase. Fear and intimidation among girls is on the increase. It can be a criminal offence and an inappropriate use of the horn." The driver responded: "I'm just a bit stunned really, I thought there was something wrong with my lorry." A separate van driver insisted he had not deliberately sounded his horn and offered an apology, stating: "I've been married 27 years." The officer explained: "The operation is about educating drivers around the behaviours which are happening to females who are running. There is a massive increase in violence against women and girls and it can start with simple behaviours as tooting horns at women as they are jogging. I appreciate you saying you're a married man but that doesn't exclude people from doing these things."
Legal Context and Penalties
In April, an amendment to the Public Order Act now classifies it as an aggravating offence to cause harassment, alarm or distress based upon a person's sex or presumed sex. The law applies to both men and women and could result in a sentence of up to two years being handed down by the courts.
Official Statements and Future Plans
Inspector Liz Warner said: "Misogynistic remarks and predatory behaviours are not acceptable within our communities. For too long women have changed their behaviours to feel safe, but perpetrators are the ones who need to change their behaviours. We are sending a clear message to ensure that this is called out and enforcement action is taken." Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: "Women and girls too often feel unsafe in public spaces because of the actions of men, and that is simply unacceptable. That's why I support the strengthening of the law, and the local action through the Jog On campaign to identify and bring perpetrators to justice, alongside educating the public on the role they can play as active bystanders. Together, we can eradicate the harmful behaviours that harm our society." There are plans for the scheme to be extended more broadly across the West Mercia Police force area in the coming months.
