A GOVERNMENT minister has backed a new campaign which aims to crack down on strangers catcalling women out exercising in Bradford. 

Female police officers are posing as runners as part of the initiative, called JogOn.

Those found to be harassing women could face a fine of up to £1,000.

The Safer Bradford partnership, which includes Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and the NHS, hopes the campaign will make perpetrators realise their behaviour is not "harmless banter".

The initiative come after a survey by Runner's World magazine found 60 per cent of females had experienced harassment, largely from men in cars, while out exercising.

During a visit to West Yorkshire Police headquarters in Wakefield today, John Glen, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, backed the JogOn campaign.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: "I absolutely support this initiative.

"We must do everything possible to support local campaigns which make women and girls feel safer.

"The Government is committed to finding more effective solutions to tackle violence against women and girls, and lock up those who are perpetrating this horrendous, abhorrent criminal activity.

"We'll never be complacent about combating it."

Superintendent Beth Pagnillo, of West Yorkshire Police, said women should be able to "run freely without being concerned".

"A build-up of these incidents can make women change their running route, avoid certain locations and choose not to run in the dark," she added.

"This is not acceptable."

During his visit to the force's headquarters, Mr Glen also learned more about the use of SmartWater - a forensic spray for victims to use against their abusers. 

West Yorkshire Police began rolling out the substance to domestic abuse victims in 2021.

The force secured the first conviction using it a year later after a perpetrator turned up at a victim's address in Wakefield.

Following his arrest, SmartWater was detected on his clothes and he was jailed for 24 weeks for breach of a non-molestation order and harassment.

SmartWater contains a unique liquid that is invisible when dry but glows under ultraviolet light.

After arrest, the spray can then be tested in a lab to determine which canister it came from, linking the suspect directly to the scene of the crime.

Mr Glen said: "I saw a demonstration of how victims can use SmartWater.

"It acts as a massive deterrent.

"This has been around for decades - but West Yorkshire Police has been one of the leaders in using it."