Stop lewd behaviour

Claiming that there had been an escalation in indecent behaviour, commonly known as ‘Dogging’, he said he had been contacted by people in a distressed state who had accidentally stumbled upon people engaged in lascivious behaviour in recent weeks.

“I understand that these incidents are not confined to any particular social class,” said Mr Devenney.

“Concern was first raised with me about lewd sexual activity in the playing fields area of Prehen about two years ago and at the time I brought the matter to the attention of the PSNI. I thought the issue had been dealt with but in the last week or so it has been brought to my attention that there have been a number of people known to have witnessed what can only be described as ‘lewd sexual behaviour’ in the Prehen area and at Ness Woods.

“One such incident was witnessed by a person out walking their dog at 3pm one afternoon, so these incidents are taking place in clear daylight. It is also my information that a male has been arrested,” he said, continuing: “I am told that one person saw a male running around the woods with nothing on but a pair of stockings and suspenders.”

Mr Devenney said his worry was that some of those innocently using such facilities were children: “These are areas frequented by parents out walking with young children in a place where adults believe they can safely let their children have a bit of freedom to run around and learn about nature and the outdoors. It is sickening to think that this sort of activity is going on in these places,” he said, continuing: “My information is that people are coming from far and wide to do this and I am told another place where it occurs is Ness Woods. I am informed that vehicles pull up there with signage and their business names clearly written on them and it has also been pointed out to me that people’s vehicles are being damaged because they are perceived to have contacted the police.”

Mr Devenney said if the land was Council owned he would campaign to have it gated off to stop lewd activity. He appealed to the PSNI to step up patrols of the areas and he called for people witnessing indecent acts to contact the police immediately.

A spokeswoman for the PSNI said that the Waterside Neighbourhood Police Team was aware of the concerns raised by Mr Devenney and would be making further enquiries with a view to keeping him fully updated.

“We would appeal to local people to report any suspicions they have and if vehicles are involved, note details of the vehicles and their registration numbers. The quicker we receive the information, the sooner we can act on it,” she said.