A NEW scheme looking to stop harassment and catcalling against women joggers was launched in Kidderminster.
The Jog On campaign, run by West Mercia Police, focuses on tackling perpetrator behaviour on our streets, which often creates barriers to women running.
In Kidderminster last Friday, a driver was educated on harassment offences.
A national survey by Runner’s World magazine found 60 per cent of female runners experience some form of harassment, particularly from men in cars, but that offences and incidents are significantly under-reported.
As part of Jog On, police will be visiting local communities via established events, running clubs and other campaigns and schemes which promote women’s safety within sport.
Female police officers will be in plain clothes in key locations to identify offences such as shop theft or burglaries.
These officers have volunteered to take part and will not be readily identifiable as police officers.
When they are subjected to harassment such as catcalling, assault and sexually suggestive comments, they will call nearby support crews to deal with the perpetrators as appropriate.
These operations can take place at any time of day and are designed to be varied and unpredictable.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “Jog On addresses the harassment female runners too often face, including catcalling, intimidation and assaults.
“These are not just unwanted behaviours – they are often crimes.
“We must not minimise the impact of these behaviours and crimes have on women and encourage people to report all incidents to the police.
“Our message to perpetrators of street-based harassment is this – your actions will not be tolerated.
“For too long, women have changed their behaviours to feel safe, but now the onus to change is on you.
“Misogynistic remarks and predatory behaviours are not acceptable within our communities.”
