West Mercia Police have released body-cam footage showing van drivers being stopped after harassing women runners, caught by female officers disguised as joggers. The initiative aims to crack down on catcalling and horn beeping, with research showing 68% of female runners have experienced such harassment.
Operation details and footage
Plain-clothed female officers run in identified areas and alert nearby teams if subjected to harassment. In the footage, 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.' 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, adding: 'I've been married 27 years.' The officer responded: 'I appreciate you saying you're a married man, but that doesn't exclude people from doing these things.'
Legal context and impact
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.' In April, a change to the Public Order Act made it an aggravating offence to cause harassment, alarm or distress based on a person's sex, with sentences of up to two years. Six operations have taken place so far, with harassing behaviour identified on three out of six occasions. The force plans to roll out the initiative more widely across the West Mercia Police area in the coming months.
