Police in Surrey set up something called the Jog On campaign, where female officers went jogging in regular running gear through spots known for harassment. It did not take long at all, within minutes men were honking, slowing down, making faces, or shouting things as they passed by.

Inspector John Vale said: “One of our officers was honked at within ten minutes, then another vehicle slowed down, beeping and making gestures just 30 seconds later, that’s how frequent it is.” He said they want to deal with the problem early because no one knows if it will escalate into something worse.

The campaign has already led to 18 arrests for different crimes like harassment, sexual attacks, and even theft. Some cases did not go that far, so officers tried to give warnings and explain why the behavior was wrong, hoping that a person would think twice before doing it again.

PC Abby Hayward, who took part, said: “We get catcalled. We get honked at. People slow down just to stare or lean out the window to shout something. It’s so common, but it’s harassment and it needs to be recognized as that.”