Body-cam footage has revealed the moment police pulled over drivers for harassing women runners – after being caught by female officers disguised as joggers. West Mercia Police released footage showing the motorists being stopped after they beeped their horns as they drove past a group of women.
Operation targets harassment of female runners
Female cops have been posing as joggers in a bid to crack down on men catcalling women runners as part of a new initiative launched by the force. The force said the scheme comes in response to research showing that 68 per cent of female runners have experienced some form of harassment, such as catcalling and horn beeping. The project involves plain-clothed female officers running in identified areas and alerting nearby teams if they are subjected to harassment.
Police warning: 'Perpetrators need to change'
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.'
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 replied: 'I'm just a bit stunned really, I thought there was something wrong with my lorry.'
Another van driver claimed he had not intentionally beeped his horn and apologised before adding: 'I've been married 27 years.' The officer told him: 'I appreciate you saying you're a married man, but that doesn't exclude people from doing these things.'
Legal changes and future plans
In April, a change to the Public Order Act now makes it an aggravating offence to cause harassment, alarm or distress based upon a person's sex or presumed sex. The legislation applies to both men and women and could see a sentence of up to two years handed down by the courts. Six operations have taken place so far, with harassing behaviour identified on three out of six occasions. There are plans for the initiative to be rolled out more widely across the West Mercia Police force area in the coming months.
