Harassed on a walk

[MooseBreath]

I just got back from a walk on a public footpath along a field with my dog and DS (13 months). This path is in a very open area and is frequently used by dog walkers, which are rarely on a lead as they tend to run about the field together. My dog, though not on a lead, was walking to heel on the grass rather than the path.

A jogger ran towards me and when she approached, she slowed down and changed directions so that she was walking alongside me (my dog was still on the grass to heel). The woman pulled out her phone and started filming me stating that if my "dog's shitty nose so much as touched her knee that she considers that harassment and she would use any means to get him away" from her.

I stopped walking and asked her to stop filming me and said that my dog has no interest in approaching her, then carried on walking a bit quicker, with my dog still by my side.

She continued to film me and walk alongside me saying she's "sick of everyone and their bloody dogs". I asked her to please stop following me, to which she said "I can walk wherever I please". I responded repeating my request to stop filming me and leave me alone. She followed me for a further few minutes, filming the entire time as my dog did nothing. Eventually the woman turned and left in a huff.

I wanted to turn and go home, but I certainly didn't want her to know where I live. AIBU to call 101 and report? It seems silly because she didn't touch me, my baby, or my dog, but she wouldn't go away, and I was worried that my dog might so much as follow a scent and set foot on the path. I don't know if she's done anything illegal, and I don't know if police could do anything, but I know how unsafe I felt.

Have the other people reported it to the police?

When you say nothing has be done by the police, what exactly has happened so far? Have you spoken to a specific officer about it or have you just been reporting individual incidents to 101?

At this point I would probably do something to scare the shit out of her and make her back off. Scare her once and she won’t bother you again.

Yes. When I mentioned to the officer I spoke with that it was happening to others in my neighbourhood, I passed on the case number to them and they have also put forth their information. The officer said that he would move the case to a neighbourhood policing team. All of my incidents have been reported to 101 with my original case number as a reference.

This was 2 weeks ago, and I have heard nothing since. The harassment has continued and if anything, become more frequent.

Is that legal though? I don't want to harass or assault anybody. I just want to take my dog and children for a walk without being stalked or worrying that I will be followed and filmed.

Just start filming her back?

Also don’t engage with her at all - just walk past her and do not acknowledge her.

Have you informed her that this now counts as harassment and that she has been reported to the police?

I'd definitely film her back.

Can you seek a restraining order? For the protection of your child?
https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/restraining-orders

It sounds like she has mental health issues but she needs help and cant be out harassing people that just isnt ok. Have you reported the follow up incidents to the police?

Yes, I have.

She has now taken photos of my 3yo and 1yo children and vehicle (I immediately asked her to delete them, but she's kept filming and taking photos), as she watched us get out of my car outside my house and happened to be walking along my street.

Have you recorded her back? As she is recording you? There is nothing illegal in you doing that. It would at least capture her saying what she is saying to you and show the police (if you made an official complaint at the nearest station) what she is doing/saying.

I'd also be sure that my dog was on a lead (even if the dog had impeccable recall) so there was no opportunity for any issue in relation to the dog.

Keep reporting to the police. Every single time it happens.
Better yet, the next time it happens, take out your phone and call a friend on Facetime or WhatsApp and you might be able to record it or get them to record it. This woman is being brazen because no one has told her she can't be. Take out your phone, stop being meek when she is around and start being brave! Talk loudly saying "Oh, you again. Harassing me on my daily walk eh? You know I have reported you to the police for your harassment yeah? Do you feel really brave harassing another woman?? Leave me alone! Leave me ALONE!!!!!!"

it's not illegal to film in a public place. She was filming you so even if it is illegal, it is a proportionate response to film her back.

Are there any circumstances (eg if she shouted at you or looked as though she might hit you) that your dog might react to her? Just in case she's trying to provoke.

Hi @MooseBreath . Get a body cam- I got one off Amazon for very little and you can just download days you need. Keep reporting to the police and make a nuisance of yourself.
Dont rise to the bait and keep the dog close, as even though she is antagonising you both if you react it will be your fault. If she threatens you and you have a genuine fear of harm you can defend yourself using reasonable force (obviously try to avoid that if possible). If you know who she is and where she lives you might be able to apply for a non molestation order, but you’d need to see a solicitor for that.

take care.

Yes, she is quite aggressive when she approaches and has run out in front of both me and some neighbours from behind a hedge, swearing loudly at us. It's quite provocative.

I don't want to be outing, as she is well-known in my area, but she has in the past hit people and dogs with ski poles and many dogs react when the see her.

I would log it with the police, just incase they have other reports or if it happens again. If she does it again, don’t mention your dog- just keep repeating “Why are you filming me and my baby. You need to stop recording us, I don’t want you recording my child”

i also echo the bodycam - and much as you don't think you need to, a lead for your dog in case she escalates. And phone 101 every time. And quote your case number. Mention her photographing your car and children near your home.

Unfortunately the police are massively overstretched so it doesn't surprise me that not much has happened in two weeks as they won't have prioritised this case very highly. It sounds sensible that it has gone to neighbourhood policing team.

Chase up the neighbourhood policing team - their contact details are usually on line. You may need to nag a bit to get them to push on with it.

You could also speak your local councillor (look up on your council website who the one of the area is) as they can be quite good at pushing things with the police as well especially if you can bring others along who are facing the same issue.

I would imagine that the police would first look to speak to her and informally warn her about her behaviour.

Op I'm sorry to say you need a man here. A large one that looks intimidating. And intimidates her.

This sounds frightening. She sounds batshit and possibly dangerous. She’s hit people before?

Bodycam is a good idea. It’ll help lead to prosecution if she does escalate and hit out at you and your children.

No she doesn’t. She needs a bodycam to protect herself and her children and help any prosecution if the mad twat escalates, and for the police to actually do something.

Very disappointing (although completely unsurprising) that the police are doing nothing about this horrible woman

Presumably they are waiting for something tragic to happen so they can refer themselves to IOPC

Ask your local Councillor to contact the police and get it followed up.

All dogs should be on a lead in public places 🤷‍♀️.
Not everyone likes dogs but she shouldn't have filmed you.

The police haven’t done anything about her harassing you, so do you think they’re going to give a shit about you harassing her? Sometimes the only way to make bullies leave you alone is to let them know you’re not an easy target.

This is very worrying OP.
I can't see how you could film her back on your phone while you are holding the fog lead, buggy/children and try to get away from this woman.
Get one of those cameras cyclists wear and use it on all your walks.
Keep a diary of everything from when it all started.
I think you should contact the police and explain you are scared and you are worried for the safety of your children in case the behaviour will escalate.
I suspect the woman now has a fixation with you and won't give up and has a serious health issue. Unfortunately you are her current target. Or one of her targets.