Wakefield Police campaign to stop harassment and abuse of female runners

Police have launched a new campaign called Jog On with an action plan to tackle the problem.

A survey by Wakefield Police found only a fraction of the female runners who have experienced some form of harassment - particularly from men in cars - report the incidents.

A national survey by Runner’s World magazine found that 60 per cent of female runners experience some form of harassment, particularly from men in cars.

Wakefield officers conducted their own survey earlier this year with 80 per cent of respondents reporting that they had experienced some form of harassment while running.

However, only four per cent had reported these incidents to the police.

Police said It leaves many women feeling scared and intimidated, looking for alternative running routes or changing the times they go out running to avoid negative experiences such as ‘cat calling’, offensive comments and, occasionally, even physical harassment.

Sergeant Cat Hardwick, who leads on the campaign in Wakefield, said: “Through visits to running clubs in the district and to events such as Parkrun, Neighbourhood Policing Team officers have been hearing about some of the awful experiences of female runners.

“We found that many runners said they had come to accept abuse and harassment like this to an extent that they didn’t even report it to the police - they just did not feel it would be taken seriously.”

The Wakefield campaign follows on from successful deployments in Bradford and Leeds.

Wakefield Police are working with Wakefield District Community Safety Partnership - which includes Wakefield Council, West Yorkshire Police, NHS and voluntary groups.

Jog On involves an action plan to tackle runner harassment, to encourage victims and witnesses to report incidents and ensure that there are consequences for unacceptable behaviour.

It includes enforcement action sessions across the district by sending female officers out in plain clothes to run or jog in ‘hotspot’ areas.

Using Public Space Protection Orders to tackle the anti-social use of vehicles which includes ‘shouting, swearing at, or abusing, threatening or intimidating another person – including using sexual language or making sexual suggestions’ from a vehicle. Offenders can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice or a £1,000 fine.

Runners and club members are also being offered Active Bystander training, to equip witnesses to intervene when an incident is unfolding in front of them.

Three Jog On operations have already taken place across the district, covering Pontefract Park and Pontefract town centre; Thornes Park and Wakefield city centre; and Wrenthorpe Park and Ossett town centre.

During these operations plain-clothed female officers, while jogging, identified a range of anti-social and harassing behaviours directed towards them.

Offenders were spoken to, advice was given and Wakefield Council Public Space Protection Orders were enforced where appropriate.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bainbridge, District Commander for Wakefield said: “I want to make it clear that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. Whether you run to stay healthy, to compete or just for fun, you have every right to feel safe when doing so.

“People might sometimes think that these behaviours aren’t worth reporting, but we want to make it clear that they should be reported to us and that we will review them, investigate and take action where we can.

“We've had a real outpouring of support from local running clubs, community groups and partner agencies wanting to support which helps demonstrate that this is something the local community wants us to take action on.

“Through enforcement, education and engagement, we hope Jog On will allow us to combine efforts to tackle harassment of runners.”

West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, said: “It is fantastic to see the Jog On campaign launch in Wakefield.

“We know that too often women shy away from running due to the harassment and abuse they experience.

“This work makes it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and should be reported. All women deserve to exercise outdoors free from fear and intimidation.”

Coun Rebecca Webster, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities, said: “We’re determined to work with our partners to make sure our district is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

“This campaign takes a proactive approach to clamping down on the harassment and abuse of female runners by not only supporting women but trying to change the behaviour of perpetrators too.

“We’ll continue to take firm action against those who harm our communities and undermine the quality of life for others.”