Crime: Disgust as CCTV cameras pick up wave of public masturbators

CCTV cameras have picked up a ‘disturbing’ number of people performing a disgusting act in parks across the Gold Coast, with shocked city leaders branding the practice ‘unacceptable’.

CCTV cameras have picked up a “disturbing” number of people publicly masturbating in Gold Coast parks.

Footage captured by the council’s camera network and given to police reveals a spate of the lewd acts being committed in areas ranging from bushland to car parks.

Robina councillor Hermann Vorster said police had taken swift action to deter the action after it was brought to their attention.

The CCTV network has captured the lewd acts.

“Our cameras have picked up examples of very lewd sexual behaviour while monitoring areas for vandalism and drug use. This has been a confronting and unexpected find,” he said.

“It appears those who make the choice to expose themselves are not very discerning and there have been examples across my division.

“Public spaces should be safe 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there is no excuse for anyone to make locals feel uncomfortable or unsettled in their own neighbourhood.”

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN FOR $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. (MIN. COST $4)

Cr Hermann Vorster said some of the lewd acts had taken place in bushland. Picture: Glenn Hampson

According to Cr Vorster, the majority of cases caught on camera occurred in the early hours of the morning.

There have been two cases alone in the Varsity Lakes wetland reserve.

“Just because there isn’t a crowd then doesn’t make it acceptable in any way,” he said.

It comes a week after CCTV footage captured a couple entering a lift in a Surfers Paradise and a woman allegedly urinating on the floor.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Earlier this year, council announced it would spend $214,659 installing 16 new CCTV cameras across the city in problem hot spots.

The expansion brought the camera network to 160, with city hall aiming to have 500 across the city.