West Midlands Police are hunting scores of flasher perverts as indecent exposure reports continue to rise across the region. According to data obtained through a Freedom of Information request, there were 501 crime reports of indecent acts where someone deliberately exposed their genitals last year. This represents an increase of 47 reports, a 10.3 per cent rise from 2024.
Overall, 1,843 reports were filed with the police force between 2022 and 2025. The majority of victims were female, highlighting a concerning trend in public safety.
Recent Incidents
Last month, footage emerged of a naked man with a backpack traipsing around Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield. This incident occurred just five days after a separate sighting of a naked runner in the same park. No arrests were made following either sighting.
In another case, a mother described how her children, including her 15-year-old daughter, witnessed a man with his trousers down performing an indecent act outside a Birmingham chip shop. The man was leaning against a car, completely exposing himself, on College Road in Kingstanding at around 6.30pm on Monday, March 9.
Other incidents included a man reportedly exposing himself on the number 74 bus near Hockley Circus last October.
Police Advice
Police have issued advice for anyone who becomes a victim of such behaviour. Victims may experience anxiety, fear, and feelings of distrust and violation. However, there is no right or wrong way to feel. The following steps are recommended:
- Look away and move away, if you can.
- Do not engage directly with the offender.
- Try not to show a strong emotional response.
- If it is definitely safe to do so, consider taking a photo of them from a safe distance.
- Report it to the police if you feel you can.
Reporting
It takes courage to report something uncomfortable, but police will always take you seriously. Your report can help stop it happening to someone else. Sometimes people who commit this type of offence go on to commit more serious offences.
Is It an Emergency?
If the situation feels like it could get heated or violent very soon, if someone is in immediate danger, or if you need support right away, call 999 now. For those with a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service 18000 or text 999 if pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
