In an innovative approach to tackling street harassment, Surrey Police have deployed plainclothes officers disguised as joggers to identify and apprehend men who target women exercising in public areas.
The Undercover Operation
The initiative, which began earlier this month, sees both male and female officers running along popular routes in Surrey while monitoring for suspicious behaviour. The operation aims to address growing concerns about women being harassed or intimidated while out running or exercising alone.
Why This Approach?
A police spokesperson explained: "We've received numerous reports from women who feel unsafe when running in parks or along footpaths. By blending in as fellow joggers, our officers can witness incidents firsthand and intervene when necessary."
Early Successes
The operation has already led to several arrests for public order offences. In one case, an undercover officer was able to intervene when a man began following and making inappropriate comments to a female runner.
Public Reaction
Local running groups have welcomed the initiative. "It's about time someone took this seriously," said Sarah Wilkins, founder of a women's running club in Guildford. "Many of our members have experienced harassment, and it puts women off exercising outdoors."
The police have encouraged anyone who experiences or witnesses harassment to report it immediately, whether to uniformed officers or through their non-emergency channels.
