100 sex pests on Cannock Chase each week
'Dogging' at Cannock Chase is on the increase, with more than 100 people a week involved in lewd activities at the beauty spot – from as early as 9am.
Police today said the problem which has long blighted the Chase is getting worse, with people flocking to the site day and night. Officers believe doggers are travelling from as far as Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
Wildlife and rural officer Pc Pete Clarke said the main concern for police was the litter which doggers leave behind, including used contraceptives and dirty tissues which could be a potential health risk.
But there are also fears that young families visiting the Chase to enjoy the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty could see exhibitionists in the act.
"There are three main car parks on Chase Road on the Chase where it takes place," said Pc Clarke. "They're there all day long. Sometimes they're down there as early as 9am in the morning and there'll be a steady stream of people throughout the day until the early hours, around 3am or 4am in the morning.
"This can clearly cause problems when so many families with children and dog walkers visit the Chase every day. We've stopped a good few over the years but they just keep coming back.
"And now reports of sightings are higher than ever.
"So many different types of people get involved in it.
"The main problem with dogging is the litter," he added.
Operation Muttley was launched by police in April and an increased number of high-visibility patrols will be carried out. "Staffordshire Police is determined to stamp out this problem," Pc Clarke added.
The problem gained notoriety in 2004 when Stan Collymore admitted dogging at the spot.
