Cat-callers targeted in police operation

Police in plain clothes are cracking down on sexual predators, cat-callers and anyone harassing women in Huddersfield.

West Yorkshire Police said it wanted to create a safe atmosphere for women enjoying a night out in the town centre in the run-up to Christmas.

Since patrols began on 25 November, officers said they had already stopped two men for cat-calling and that eight lone women had been helped to get home.

A law to make sexual harassment in public a criminal offence was passed in September, with a maximum sentence of two years in prison.

Some women's right groups had previously expressed doubts that the new law could be enforced.

However, West Yorkshire Police urged the public to report any sexual harassment in the street.

Sgt Toni Ramsden said: “Police take all reports of violence against women and related offences such as harassment very seriously, and believe women should feel safe to walk our streets.

“Harassment of women and girls in any way is unacceptable."

The force launched the special patrols on 25 November to support White Ribbon Day which raises awareness of gender-based violence.