Guelph police continue to deal with a spike in indecent acts being committed in public places after two more incidents were reported over the weekend.
Officers were called to John Gamble Park on Kortright Road on Sunday at around 12:30 p.m. for a report of a man masturbating.
Police allege that a woman was walking on a trail when she noticed a man walking behind her, masturbating.
Officers searched the area, but the suspect was not located.
He is described as white, approximately 55 years old, 5’9″ to 5’10” tall with a lean build and facial scruff. He was wearing a blue baseball hat, blue dry fit shirt, khaki pants, tan hiking boots and sunglasses.
Police were then called to Howitt Park at around 8 p.m. that same day for a report of someone masturbating in public.
In this case, police arrested a 15-year-old boy and charged him with committing an indecent act.
Const. Josh Fraser said that since June 1, Guelph police have received 15 indecent act calls.
It’s a spike he has never seen before.
“This is a serious offence that requires immediate police response,” he said. “So please, do not wait or hesitate to call 911 once your safety is ensured.”
Fraser said it doesn’t appear any of the incidents are related.
Police said an indecent act is when a person willfully exposes their genitals in a public place and added that these incidents are commonly occurring on trails, parks and other isolated areas.
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