Locals are calling for action to be taken over a dogging hotspot in Northumberland where people have allegedly been spotted engaging in group sex and other types of public indecency
Outraged locals have called for action to be taken over an area where people allegedly engage in group sex in broad daylight.
A dogging hotspot has emerged in Northumberland where locals claim they have seen sex and other acts of public indecency. Concerns have been shared after plans to build a new crematorium in the area were approved by council officials for the end of the year. Infuriated residents have called on the police and their local MP to act on the alleged dogging site, claiming families and children are at risk of a “safeguarding scandal waiting to happen”.
Resident Mike Smith, who formerly objected to the crematorium plans, said he’s been reporting the ongoing issue of public indecency at the location for a year, ChronicleLive reports.
He said: “The area is openly advertised on public cruising websites, and I have documented multiple incidents of men loitering in cars or bushes before engaging in group sexual acts in broad daylight.
“Just this week, I witnessed a man masturbating in public and the police have finally confirmed they are following up with him. Despite repeated reports and safeguarding concerns, the council and police have both failed to act decisively.”
Smith called on the council to install CCTV cameras and warning signs in the area to prevent the alleged acts of public group sex. He added: “No CCTV – the council claims there are ‘no lampposts,’ despite mobile and pole-mounted cameras being widely available. No double yellow lines – the council admits parking wardens are ‘too afraid’ to patrol the area, but leaves families and children exposed.
“No signage or warnings – the council claims ‘sex in the bushes is not a crime unless someone sees and is offended’ – yet I and other residents have seen it, been offended, and repeatedly reported it. No proactive policing – the police have said they cannot act unless residents provide evidence themselves – effectively placing the burden of safeguarding on the public, not the authorities.”
Northumbria Police revealed one person has since been interviewed and referred for a caution after the force received a report of outraging public decency. The force also said it carries out regular patrols in the area “to provide reassurance and gather information on any persons or vehicles of interest – as well as engaging with those who are frequenting the area”.
In a statement, the police said: “In the instances that have been reported to police in the last year, it’s understood those involved have been inside of vehicles parked on the road, and in a wooded area immediately next to the road.”
Smith also shared his anger at the plans to build funeral home near the controversial site, blasting it as a “complete failure of public duty”.
He said: “If the council admits the area is too dangerous for its own staff, how can they justify leaving families, children, and dog walkers at risk? By approving the funeral home despite the clear, ongoing anti social behaviour problem, the council has knowingly placed a sensitive community facility in a location where public sexual activity is a persistent issue.”
Smith added: “This is a safeguarding scandal waiting to happen. The council’s refusal to act exposes them to serious reputational risk and potentially legal consequences if a safeguarding incident occurs near the funeral home or affects a member of the public.”
A Northumberland County Council spokesperson said the authority was “not aware of wider concerns” about anti-social behaviour in the area, but would work closely with the police and other agencies to look at how action can be taken. They added: “We will also be looking to meet with the resident who has raised the issues to explore these concerns in more detail and to review the powers and tools available to tackle the problem.”
Cramlington and Killingworth MP Emma Foody said she has been in contact with Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Police to address residents’ concerns.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, or by using live chat and report forms on their website. Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101.