Action Against Street Harassment: Surrey Police Target Catcalling And Jogger Harassment

Shawn

3 min read

Post on Aug 17, 2025

4.2

Share

Action Against Street Harassment: Surrey Police Target Catcalling and Jogger Harassment

Street harassment, including catcalling and harassment of joggers, is a pervasive issue impacting the safety and well-being of many in Surrey. But the tide is turning. Surrey Police have launched a significant initiative to tackle this pervasive problem, aiming to create safer streets for everyone. This proactive approach involves increased patrols, public awareness campaigns, and a strengthened focus on reporting mechanisms.

The Growing Problem of Street Harassment in Surrey

Street harassment, encompassing a range of behaviours from unwanted comments and gestures (catcalling) to more aggressive forms of intimidation and even physical assault targeting joggers and other individuals, has long been a concern. Recent surveys indicate a significant rise in reported incidents across the county, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention. This isn't just about isolated incidents; it's about creating a climate of fear and reducing the sense of safety for women, particularly those who choose to exercise outdoors, like joggers.

Surrey Police's Multi-Pronged Approach

Surrey Police are taking a comprehensive approach to combat this issue, focusing on several key areas:

• Increased Police Visibility: Enhanced patrols, particularly in areas identified as hotspots for street harassment, aim to deter potential offenders and provide a visible reassurance to the public. This proactive policing strategy is designed to create a safer environment for everyone.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: The force is launching targeted campaigns to raise awareness about street harassment, explain what constitutes harassment, and encourage reporting. These campaigns will utilize social media, local news outlets, and community engagement initiatives to reach a broad audience. They will also highlight the importance of bystander intervention – encouraging people to safely intervene when they witness harassment.

• Improved Reporting Mechanisms: Surrey Police are streamlining the reporting process, making it easier for victims to come forward and report incidents, regardless of the severity. They are emphasizing that even seemingly minor incidents should be reported, as this data is crucial for effective policing and resource allocation. Online reporting options will be further developed to make reporting more accessible and less intimidating.

• Collaboration with Community Groups: Partnering with local community groups, women's organizations, and running clubs is a key element of the strategy. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic response that addresses the issue from multiple perspectives and ensures that initiatives are relevant and effective within the community.

What You Can Do:

• Report incidents: If you experience or witness street harassment, report it to Surrey Police immediately. Even seemingly minor incidents contribute to a larger picture and help the police to identify patterns and target resources effectively.

• Be a bystander: If you see someone being harassed, consider intervening safely. This could involve simply checking on the victim, or calling for help if the situation escalates. Your intervention can make a significant difference.

• Spread awareness: Share information about Surrey Police's initiative and encourage others to report incidents and participate in community initiatives.

Looking Ahead:

This initiative by Surrey Police is a crucial step in tackling the widespread problem of street harassment. By combining proactive policing with public awareness and community engagement, Surrey Police are demonstrating a commitment to creating safer and more inclusive streets for all residents. The success of this initiative will depend on the continued cooperation of the community, alongside the dedication and resources provided by the police force. The fight against street harassment is an ongoing battle, but with a collaborative effort, significant progress can be made.