Public Sex Environment
Important New Information
In the past few months, there have been a series of incidents in the Portsdown Hill and Rock Gardens areas where a man has been approaching men and threatened to arrest them unless they pay an on-the-spot fine. During some of the incidents, the offender has accompanied the victim to cashpoints in the victim’s own car or, on one occasion, in a taxi to the victim’s home address. As a result of a police investigation, two men were arrested earlier this week. They have been interviewed about any connection they may have with these offences and have ben released on police bail while further enquiries are carried out.
Hampshire Constabulary is eager to hear from anybody who has been similarly approached and threatened as part of this investigation. Police are aware that potential witnesses may be concerned about coming forward with information but are keen to reassure that any information given or passed on will be dealt with sensitively. Even if witnesses do not want to provide a statement, they may be in possession of information that could greatly assist the investigation and are still urged to contact the police.
Anybody with any information they feel may be useful can contact DC GRAY at Fratton CID on 08450 454545, extension 684352. This can also be done through a third party.
Police also urge men to take the following precautions if approached by anybody claiming to be a police officer :
ALWAYS be wary of a person claiming to be a “police officer” working alone in plain clothes. Although this does happen on occasions it is rare.
ALWAYS ask to see identification. All police officers operating in plain clothes should carry their warrant cards and would not leave their cards with another officer. If the “officer” claims to have forgotten it or it is with someone else then you are perfectly entitled to refuse any request made of you until or unless they are able to prove they are a police officer;
NEVER take someone claiming to be a police officer to a cashpoint. Police have no power whatsoever to issue “on-the-spot” fines and certainly have no power to demand money from anybody. If someone does this claiming to be a police officer then they are lying about who they are OR acting unlawfully;
NEVER take someone claiming to be a police officer home in your own car OR go with them in a taxi. If police need to take you somewhere, they should do so in police vehicles (these could be unmarked). NEVER go in an unmarked police vehicle with a plain clothed police officer unless you are sure they are genuine police officers.
DON’T be afraid to check! If someone claims to be a police officer and you aren’t sure, you can verify their identification by calling the Hampshire Constabulary control room and explain your concerns to them.”
