"Through complaints from nearby residents and members of the public [we] have become increasingly aware that the public toilets at the end of Herne Bay Rd are possibly used by men as the venue for casual sex," says Diversity Liaison Officer Constable Brent Clark.
Clark says the police are obliged to respond to such complaints and have reassured residents there will be more frequent patrols of the area "to ensure public safety... that is, the safety of anyone using the toilets and anyone frequenting the area."
While arrests are the least preferred option for Police, according to Clark, "[officers] may be obliged to identify and warn users about their possibly disorderly or offensive behaviour."
Clark advises men who cruise in toilets, including several other locations in downtown Auckland, that to avoid coming to the attention of the police and even homophobic attackers who can also know about the activities at the toilets, they should use places such as gay saunas and cruise clubs, "where you can legally and safely have sexual encounters."
