Surrey Police have arrested 18 people after deploying female undercover officers posing as joggers to tackle harassment of women exercising. The month-long pilot scheme saw plainclothes officers run in sports gear through areas identified as hotspots, with specialist units ready to intervene.
Inspector Jon Vale, Surrey's violence against women and girls safer spaces lead, said a survey found almost half of female runners in one area did not report harassment. He described catcalling as 'far too common', noting it can escalate to more serious sexual offending.
During the operation, one officer was honked at within ten minutes, and another vehicle slowed down, beeping and making gestures just 30 seconds later. Vale said the aim is to deter offenders and manage risk early, asking: 'Is that person going to escalate? Are they a sexual offender?'
Undercover officer PC Abby Hayward said her experience reflected a daily reality for women. 'This behaviour is either a precursor to something more serious, or it's ignorance and it's fixable. That's where our interventions come in,' she said.
Uniformed officers are also working with community groups to share insight into tackling violence against women and girls. The pilot builds on work installing plainclothes police in bars and clubs at night to spot predatory behaviour.
A study by the University of Manchester last year found over two-thirds of women surveyed had experienced harassment while running, including threats and verbal abuse. Sport England research suggested almost three-quarters of women changed their exercise routine during winter months.
