Undercover police to tackle women's running fears

Female police officers are going to be sent out dressed as runners as part of a scheme aimed at making it safer for women to exercise.

The officers would identify cases of assault, catcalling, or sexually suggestive comments, a spokesperson for West Mercia Police said.

They would then call in nearby support crews to tackle offenders, they added.

Running clubs in Herefordshire and Worcestershire were also being visited with runners urged to report any harassment, the spokesperson said.

The Jog On scheme began on Friday and one driver was "educated around harassment offences" in Kidderminster.

A national survey by Runner's World magazine found nearly two-thirds of female runners had experienced some form of harassment, particularly from men in cars, the police spokesperson said.

A survey conducted in 2024 by Sport England's 'This Girl Can' also found that 72% of women changed their behaviour when exercising during winter.

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