Middleton officers commence campaign to prevent sexual activity in public park

Police in Middleton are stepping up patrols in a bid to prevent people engaging in sexual activity in a public park.

Rhodes Lodge on Manchester Old Road, Middleton is a wooded area and nature reserve which comprises of footpaths, bridal ways and fishing lodges and is popular with members of the public for walking and fishing.

However, police in Middleton have recently been receiving complaints that the park is also being used by people to have sex in public.

Parents walking with their young children have seen people engaged in sexual activity in broad daylight, while others have complained of the unhygienic litter such as used condoms, tissues and even underwear being left behind.

As a result of this increase in anti-social behaviour, Middleton officers will be initiating a high-profile police presence in the area to act as a deterrent or to take appropriate action if any offences are witnessed.

Other measures, such as prominent signage and CCTV have also been installed to try and crack down on this behaviour.

Sergeant Paul Wood said: “We want to restore Rhodes Lodge as a place where members of the public can walk, take their families and enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about what they might see or find.

“It is not pleasant for anyone to have to avoid other people’s ‘sex litter’, particularly those with young children whose natural curiosity will mean they will want to pick unknown objects off the floor.

“This behaviour is understandably putting off members of the public from enjoying the area, and that is completely unacceptable.

“I would ask that the public help GMP by reporting any such behaviour to us if and when they come across it.”

Anyone wishing to report anti-social behaviour should call Rochdale South officers on 0161 856 8701 or email rochdalesouth@gmp.police.uk