Campaign launched to tackle harassment facing female runners in Cheshire East

Cheshire Constabulary has launched a campaign in the east of the county to help women and girls run without fear of harassment.

With increased footfall in our parks, on canal towpaths and on popular running routes, Cheshire Constabulary’s Operation Intervention reminds the public that behaviour such as sexual harassment, inappropriate comments and general intimidating activity is not acceptable and should always be reported to police.

This campaign follows the implementation of the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023, which came into force on 1 April 2026.

Under this act, it is now a criminal offence to intentionally harass or cause alarm or distress to anyone in public, where the behaviour is done because of that person’s sex or presumed sex.

As part of this enforcement, and in line with the Constabulary’s priority of protecting women and girls, proactive activities have already taken place across the east of the county, as plain-clothed female officers have taken to popular routes across the east and in locations where concerns have been previously raised.

So far, no offences have been identified following the proactive deployments, but officers will be continuing to join fellow female runners on their routes to provide further reassurance and to target any unacceptable behaviour where it arises. 

Inspector Richard Haque, of Macclesfield Local Policing Unit’s Neighbourhood Team, said:

“Everyone has the right to get out into our neighbourhoods and communities and enjoy a run, without being subjected to sexualised comments or general harassment that, despite what some people think, can have a serious impact on someone’s confidence or sense of personal safety.

“Cheshire Constabulary remains committed to the safety and prevention of violence and harassment against women and girls. As part of a wider number of initiatives already in place under Operation Intervention, plain-clothed officers will be regularly lacing up their trainers and taking to routes across the east, taking appropriate action against anyone exhibiting this kind of intolerable behaviour. 

“This campaign should also be a reminder that you do not have to be out on a run to report any kind of behaviour like this. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment or have faced any kind of intimidating behaviour while simply going about your business, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

“We treat all reports with the utmost seriousness, no matter how small they seem, and I can reassure you that our officers will listen to you, treat you with respect and will do all they can to help you feel safe.”