In the last week there have been two reported sexual assaults on female runners in the Gold Coast area. Whilst the assault of any person is unacceptable, the sexual assault of any female is a particularly concerning. Although the recent assaults may be totally unrelated, everyone should take appropriate safety precautions whilst exercising. After all, we have the right to move within our community without the fear of attack.
When exercising please keep the following pointers in mind:
• Always try to appear confident, say ‘hi’ to people and make brief eye contact as you approach them;
• Run with a friend or tag along with another runner (you could make a new running buddy);
• Change your running route regularly, not only does it prevent an identifiable habit, but the change of scenery makes running more enjoyable;
• Leave a note or tell family members where you will be running;
• Use well lit roads or stay on the footpaths so that passers-by can see you;
• If possible run towards the traffic, apart from reducing the risk of being run down, it is harder for a car to pull up behind you;
• Don’t use an MP3 player or earphones; if you can’t hear what is going on about you, you are at a greater risk of being assaulted;
• Join a formal running club, or an informal running group. Not only is exercising with others safer, it will help you improve your performance.
There are a number of running clubs on the Gold Coast including the Southport Runners and Walkers Club and the Gold Coast Runners Club (West Burleigh) as well as informal running groups, including in our area.
Don’t stop exercising out of fear, just keep a ‘situational awareness’ and be confident in what you do.
If anyone has any information about the assault of female runners, call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Andrew LAKE
Sergeant 6695
Service Operational Procedures
Oxenford NHW Police Liaison Officer
Share this post
• Always try to appear confident, say ‘hi’ to people and make brief eye contact as you approach them;
• Run with a friend or tag along with another runner (you could make a new running buddy);
• Change your running route regularly, not only does it prevent an identifiable habit, but the change of scenery makes running more enjoyable;
• Leave a note or tell family members where you will be running;
• Use well lit roads or stay on the footpaths so that passers-by can see you;
• If possible run towards the traffic, apart from reducing the risk of being run down, it is harder for a car to pull up behind you;
• Don’t use an MP3 player or earphones; if you can’t hear what is going on about you, you are at a greater risk of being assaulted;
• Join a formal running club, or an informal running group. Not only is exercising with others safer, it will help you improve your performance.
There are a number of running clubs on the Gold Coast including the Southport Runners and Walkers Club and the Gold Coast Runners Club (West Burleigh) as well as informal running groups, including in our area.
Don’t stop exercising out of fear, just keep a ‘situational awareness’ and be confident in what you do.
If anyone has any information about the assault of female runners, call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Andrew LAKE
Sergeant 6695
Service Operational Procedures
Oxenford NHW Police Liaison Officer
Share this post
