A man in his 50s from Gloucester was arrested earlier today in Cheltenham following reports that he was secretly filming women. The incident involved the use of a small camera to capture images without the victims’ knowledge, specifically engaging in the offence known as upskirting.
Police received the report shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, when a member of the public spotted the man attempting to film beneath a woman’s clothing. Officers quickly responded and took the suspect into custody on suspicion of voyeurism. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Gloucestershire Constabulary emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents, which often go unreported. A spokesperson urged witnesses or victims of similar behaviour to come forward to assist with inquiries. Additional patrols have also been deployed in Cheltenham town centre to reassure the public and deter further offences.
READ MORE: Nearly Two Million Illegal Cigarettes Seized in Gloucestershire Trading Standards Crackdown
READ MORE: M50 Emergency Repairs Following Crash That Injured Newborn
Anyone with information can report directly online by quoting occurrence number 53260039601 or by calling 101.
The offence of upskirting was criminalized under the Voyeurism Act, which received Royal Assent in February 2019. The law carries penalties including up to two years in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender. This legislative change was driven by dedicated campaigning from victims such as Gina Martin, along with MPs and charities, culminating in stronger protections for victims. Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse initially tabled the bill, which received broad governmental support.
This case underscores ongoing challenges in tackling voyeurism and highlights the vital role of community vigilance and law enforcement in safeguarding personal privacy.