Police patrols have stepped up in Roundhay Park after reports of women being targeted by a flasher on numerous occasions.
Officers from Leeds District Safeguarding team and the North East Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team are investigating several reports made in recent weeks of indecent exposure offences targeted against women walking in the park. Police have been patrolling in 'plain clothes' in the park to try and identify suspects and visible NPT officers have begun patrols on electric bikes to cover more ground when deployed there.
Meanwhile, officers are also continuing local enquiries with resident in the area and working with experts to build a better understanding of the offender’s behaviour patterns. No-one was reported to have been hurt in the reported incidents.
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Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lambert of Leeds District Police, said: "We are aware of residents’ concerns about indecent exposure incidents in Roundhay Park and can promise that extensive enquiries are ongoing by police and partners to identify suspects. High visibility patrols are ongoing there by NPT officers and we have also deployed police officers who have been patrolling in ‘plain’ clothes to both reassure residents and monitor the parkland for potential suspects.
"Those officers could be there at any time and at any location. We have also been using drones in the area. It must be stressed that while no-one has been hurt we do take reports of such behaviour very seriously indeed.
"Reducing offending against women and females remains a key concern for West Yorkshire Police and we recognise the very negative impact being a victim of exposure can have on a victim."
She added: "It is really important anyone who is a victim of indecent exposure rings us as soon as possible on 999 so officers can deploy there as a priority to give us best chance possible of making swift arrests. Please also use the What3Words App if you have it to allow us to identify your precise location."
Leeds District Police is appealing for anyone who witnesses indecent exposure incidents in Roundhay Park to ring 999 and make reports as soon as they can as extensive enquiries continue to into recent flashing incidents. Anyone who has information about indecent exposure incidents in the park is asked to contact the Leeds North East NPT on 101.
