POLICE launched patrols near Bromham on Saturday after reports of 'dogging' and lewd behaviour at a beauty spot close to the village.

Devizes police were at Chittoe Heath after receiving complaints about the area being used for casual sexual by people who often arrange their meetings over the internet.

A Devizes police spokesman said on Saturday: "Proactive patrols have been taking place today in the area of Chittoe Heath near Devizes due to reports of anti-social and lewd behaviour taking place in the lane and wooded areas.

"Officers have been engaging with members of the public frequenting the area."

The report was posted on Facebook and drew a number of responses. One suggested that 'dogging' was not illegal but this drew an immediate response and clarification by the police which said: "If in a public place whereby members of the public could witness such it is considered an offence under common law thus known as outraging public decency.

"This law states it is an offence to commit an act of lewd, obscene and disgusting nature which is capable of outraging public decency in a public place where members of the public can witness it."

Police are also worried about condoms and other litter being left by people who use the area for outdoor sex. The spokesman said: "Chittoe Heath is a beautiful place for dog walkers and families with children who can not only witness said events but also have to step through the litter being left there associated with such acts. We would like all visitors to report any such events.

"Patrols at Chittoe Heath will continue as a deterrent."

Another person who posted in response to the police message said: "Took my dogs there, when I got back to the lane there were at least four cars there with just men inside, felt very uncomfortable, haven't been since."

A number of freely available internet sites including one called Wiltshire Dogging give details of regular haunts. One post mentioned using Derry Hill Woods near Bowood, just a mile from Chittoe, for liaisons.

Wiltshire councillor Jonathon Seed, who lives at Chittoe, said: "Local residents have long been aware of the unsavoury reputation of part of this area. But the police are doing a first class job of tackling the problem."

Anna Cuthbert the Wiltshire councillor for Bromham applauded the police efforts to clamp down on the seedy practice. She said: "I have not had anyone complaining about this but I wholeheartedly support the police in what they are doing.

"This is a beautiful area and should be one where people can enjoy walking without people behaving unlawfully."

Devizes police were also patrolling beauty spots at the weekend on the lookout for thieves who exploit the good weather to find easy spoils when walkers leave valuables in cars.

The Devizes rural PCSO team were at Roundway, The Long Barrow at All Cannings as well as Chittoe Heath over the weekend. A spokesman said: "We would like to remind all visitors using these and other rural locations to please take all belongs with you and don't leave anything on display, unfortunately thieves do operate in these areas."