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Victim Services urges people to report indecent acts, even if they may not want to

Since June 1, 45 indecent acts have been reported to Guelph Police Service and five arrests made
20170428 carden street wet reflections
Last week, a man was arrested after police say he exposed his genitals at the splash pad on Carden Street, seen in this GuelphToday file photo.

The executive director of Victim Services Wellington says anyone negatively affected by the recent rash of indecent acts in Guelph can call that agency, but she recommends calling the police to report them first.

Since June 1, 45 indecent acts have been reported to Guelph Police Service. Those acts have included reports of men exposing themselves or masturbating in public.

Liz Kent, executive director Victim Services Wellington, said people who witness these acts should call police.

“I think it’s the public’s responsibility to make sure this doesn’t continue by reporting it. If it’s not reported it’s just going to continue happening,” said Kent.

Because the acts are of a sexual nature, Kent said some people may choose not to report them.

Kent said she is concerned the seriousness of the incidents could escalate if the men perpetrating them are not stopped.

“My question is what’s next?” she said. “If there’s people doing that, what else are they comfortable with?”

Last week, police said a man was arrested after exposing his genitals at the splash pad on Carden Street.

Const. Josh Fraser of the Guelph Police Service said five arrests have been made out of the 45 reported incidents.

“Our message to the public is they are a victim of a crime, remove yourself from the situation and get to a place of safety and call 911,” said Fraser. “Try to get a detailed description of the suspect and the location as it requires an immediate police response.”

Kent echoed those tips.

“People need to be safe first,” she said.

Some in the public have resorted to using humour when speaking about the reported reported in posts on Facebook and other web sites.

“It may be funny around the water cooler today, but if you had your kids at the splash pad and it happens to your kids it’s not that funny,” said Kent. “If there are people that experience uncomfortable feelings or flashbacks or are triggered by it, they are more than welcome to call our agency.”

The phone number for Victim Services Wellington is 519-824-1212 extension 7304.


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Kenneth Armstrong

About the Author: Kenneth Armstrong

Kenneth Armstrong is a news reporter and photojournalist who regularly covers municipal government, business and politics and photographs events, sports and features.
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