An Ordinary Afternoon That Revealed an Uncomfortable Truth
Nothing about the scene stood out at first. A handful of women running through calm Surrey neighborhoods—no flashing lights, no uniforms, no signs of law enforcement. Just trainers on pavement and a routine jog that blended into the afternoon.
Then the reactions began.
Within minutes, drivers slowed their cars. Horns blared. Comments were shouted from windows.
What looked like a harmless run quickly exposed a behavior many women recognize all too well—and one that often goes unchallenged.
Inside Surrey Police’s “Jog On” Operation
The initiative, known as Jog On, was designed to show how frequently women encounter street harassment. Female police officers were sent out alone, dressed in standard athletic wear, jogging through areas flagged for repeated complaints.
The goal was simple: experience the streets exactly as everyday women do.
It didn’t take long.
What Happened on the Streets
According to Inspector John Vale, the response was almost immediate. One officer was targeted less than ten minutes into the run—an indication, he said, of how normalized this conduct has become.
PC Abby Hayward described the experience as all too familiar. “Honking, shouting, catcalling—it happens constantly,” she explained. “Many people brush it off as harmless, but it’s harassment.”
Consequences for Offenders
The operation led to 18 arrests, with charges ranging from harassment to s*xual assault.
Not every encounter resulted in an arrest. In less serious cases, drivers were pulled over, formally warned, and educated about why their behavior crossed a line.
Several of those stopped reportedly expressed regret, telling officers they hadn’t understood the impact of their actions until they were confronted.
Why This Campaign Struck a Nerve
Police say street harassment is rarely reported, often minimized as “part of life.” But Inspector Vale was firm in his message: this behavior is unacceptable and will be treated as such.
He urged people to consider how they would feel if the same actions were directed at someone they love.
The Jog On campaign, officers say, is one step in a broader push to reclaim public spaces for women.
A Message That Can’t Be Ignored
By placing officers directly into everyday situations, Jog On removed any doubt about how quickly harassment can occur—without invitation, without warning, and in plain sight.
What some label as jokes or compliments carry real consequences. Surrey Police hope that by holding offenders accountable now, they can help build a future where women can walk—or run—through their communities without fear.