Police investigating man asking for money for use of public toilets

Tuesday 21 August 2018

A group of people who were allegedly hanging around outside of public toilets and demanding money for people to use them are being investigated by Guernsey Police, they have said.

The incident first came to light when a man posted on a local Facebook forum, saying as he approached the public toilets behind the Woodies Kiosk at Bordeaux, he was greeted by a person sat outside.

Paul Le Jean was asked by this person to pay a charge to use the toilets, as he claimed he was a cleaner of the premises and that was how he was paid, but when Mr Le Jean refused to pay, he continued to press for money, even following him inside the toilet block.

Even after asking him to leave him alone several times, the alleged cleaner continued to demand payment, until finally giving up and returning outside.

Mr Le Jean said: "The more I think about it the more annoyed I get, like I said they did not intimidate me specifically, but they would do to other people.

"The police noted it down and hoped more witnesses would report this. We need to keep Guernsey as it is and there is no room for this behaviour." 

Pictured: AFM Ltd is responsible for a number of public contracts in Guernsey including the cleaning of public toilets attached to beach kiosks.

AFM Ltd are responsible for cleaning the toilets at the kiosk. Ben Le Huray, AFM's Commercial Director, said in a comment posted on the Facebook post: "On behalf of AFM I can confirm that the individuals referred to in this post are not known to [us].

"Any such behaviour by AFM employees would not be condoned and dealt with immediately. AFM does service the cleaning contract for public conveniences around the island and recognises the importance of maintaining good standards for locals and visitors alike."

The person who was acting as the toilet's cleaner was also accompanied by six other people according to the post.

Several commenters said they also witnessed the group's behaviour, and were also asked for money to use the toilets.

Guernsey Police have said officers are investigating the matter, and there are "ongoing enquiries." If anyone witnessed the group asking for money, or was approached by them, they are asked to contact the police station to help identify them. 

"If anyone experienced anything then they should get in touch with us to help identify the people. You can call the police station on 01481 725111."

The kiosk itself is fitted with CCTV cameras which cover the entrance to the toilets.

Express attempted to contact Woodies as the leaseholder for the kiosk attached to the public conveniences but were unable to speak with staff ahead of publication.