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Residents urged to avoid secluded parts of Tooting Bec Common after rise in flashing offences

Summary:

Police have stepped up patrols to address the problem.

Image:

By Sean Connor

Indecent exposers are letting it all hang out on Tooting Bec Common as Wandsworth Police reported a worrying increase in flashing offences last week.

The incidents have occurred both during broad daylight and in the evening, though no members of the public have been seriously assaulted by the immature violators.

Sandeep Pereira, a mother of two from Tooting, said: “Being a mother I am disgusted to hear this because my children should not be exposed to this behaviour, they play football on the common all the time.”

Police have decided to conduct preventive patrols in uniform and in plain clothes in the secluded areas where the offences are more likely to occur.

Gary Jones, 23, who regularly works with the local little league football team, said he hadn’t experienced anything first hand, but that it was entirely wrong.

“It’s slightly sickening because Tooting is a lively area containing many families whose kids use the common for community sports,” he said.

The residents of Tooting and Wandsworth have been urged by police to avoid secluded areas within Tooting Bec Common, especially if travelling alone.

Even in the cases of going for a run or walking your dog, again avoid doing so alone.

If the presence of another person causes discomfort, seek support of officers on patrol or other members of the public.

Photo courtsey of minifig, with thanks.

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