Surrey Police Increase Patrols To Combat Jogging Harassment And Catcalling

Shawn

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Post on Aug 16, 2025

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Surrey Police Increase Patrols to Combat Jogging Harassment and Catcalling

Surrey, UK – A worrying rise in reports of harassment targeting female joggers and pedestrians in Surrey has prompted a significant increase in police patrols across the county. The initiative, launched this week, aims to tackle the pervasive issues of jogging harassment and catcalling, creating safer spaces for women exercising outdoors and navigating public areas.

The move follows a surge in complaints received by Surrey Police, highlighting the deeply unsettling experiences faced by many women. These incidents range from verbal abuse and unwanted sexual comments ("catcalling") to more aggressive and intimidating behaviour targeted specifically at women engaged in jogging or other forms of outdoor exercise.

"We understand the fear and distress caused by this kind of harassment," stated Chief Inspector Sarah Jenkins of Surrey Police. "It's simply unacceptable, and we are committed to taking robust action to address it. Increased patrols, particularly in areas where incidents have been reported, are a key part of our strategy to deter offenders and provide reassurance to the community."

Targeting Hotspots and Empowering Victims

Surrey Police are focusing their increased patrols on areas identified as hotspots for such incidents, using data analysis to pinpoint locations where reports are most frequent. This targeted approach aims to maximize the impact of the increased police presence and provide a visible deterrent to potential offenders. In addition to increased patrols, the force is emphasizing proactive engagement with the community.

• Increased visibility: More officers on foot and bicycle patrol will be visible in identified areas.
• Community engagement: Police are working to improve community reporting mechanisms and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retribution.
• Educational initiatives: Plans are underway to educate the public on what constitutes harassment and the importance of reporting such incidents.

Beyond Increased Patrols: A Multi-Faceted Approach

This heightened police presence is just one element of a broader strategy to tackle this issue. Surrey Police are collaborating with local councils, community groups, and women's organisations to develop a comprehensive approach to preventing and addressing harassment. This includes:

• Improved street lighting: Working with councils to enhance lighting in poorly lit areas to improve safety and visibility.
• Public awareness campaigns: Launching campaigns to raise awareness of harassment, encourage reporting, and promote bystander intervention.
• Support for victims: Providing access to support services and resources for victims of harassment.

"We know that increased police presence alone isn't the solution," added Chief Inspector Jenkins. "It's about creating a cultural shift, where harassment is not tolerated and victims feel empowered to report incidents without hesitation. We need a collective effort from the police, the community, and local authorities to make Surrey a safe place for everyone."

Reporting Harassment: Your Voice Matters

Surrey Police urge anyone who has experienced harassment, whether it be catcalling, jogging harassment, or any other form of unwanted attention, to report it. Reporting these incidents is crucial in providing the police with the data needed to effectively tackle the problem and allocate resources to the areas most in need. You can report incidents online through the Surrey Police website or by calling 101. For emergencies, always dial 999.

This proactive response from Surrey Police demonstrates a commitment to addressing a serious issue impacting the safety and well-being of women in the community. The combined approach of increased patrols, community engagement, and collaborative initiatives represents a significant step towards creating safer streets and promoting a culture of respect for all.