Oberägeri,27.03.2015

Naked walker the subject of much gossip

As readers will know, the canton of Zug published its crime statistics for 2014 earlier this week. While this may have concentrated on drug-associated crime, burglary and theft, there were other statistics published in relation to cases of indecent exposure. In fact over the course of 2014 there were 19 such incidents, up from 10 on the previous year.
 
As police spokesman Marcel Schlatter confirmed, a number of these incidents took place in the Raten area and in Oberägeri, where there have been several reports of man exposing himself.
 
Not unsurprisingly, there is much speculation in this municipality as to who this man could be, as mayor Pius Meier explained. "I have not seen him myself, and I understand he has been more frequently seen in the warmer months of the year, but he has been spotted in woodland between Raten and Gottschalkenberg. While some local residents thought the whole thing amusing, others have been rather concerned and no longer want to go walking in this area alone."
 
Anna Meier, who works in the Raten restaurant, said how the man's behaviour had repeatedly been a topic of conversation among guests there. In fact on one occasion she even saw him herself. "It was a few years ago now," she said, as she added she reacted quite calmly. "As to how I would react today if I suddenly saw him standing in front of me, I do not know," she admitted. "I would be a bit shocked." She said how last year she never saw him at all. "Though this was probably because I was out with the dog. What is more, if I saw him again I could not be certain if it were the same man I saw before." No description of the man has been forthcoming.
 
As rumour circulates in the municipality, Pius said he would be glad if the police arrested the man and the matter was brought to a close. Apparently the man's antics also featured in the Fasnacht celebrations this year.
 
Schlatter went on to say that reports of people exposing themselves did not just emanate from Oberägeri. Other incidents had taken place on the Choller delta in Zug  and along the River Lorze in Baar. He also said some of the offenders were known to the police.
 
"They seek out places where they know they will be seen," he said, "as seeking attention by exposing their genitals is what they want." The police spokesman explained that these people who expose themselves and distress people can expect to be fined and indeed to the tune of 180 times their daily pay. "Exposure itself is not a crime," said Schlatter, "Someone must report to the police that they have been offended by it."
 
As to how people should react when confronted with this situation, Schlatter said they should remain calm, distance themselves from the offender and call the police on 117. He said it was best to avoid any confrontational situation. "As a rule, exhibitionists do not actually seek out physical contact," he added.
 
The photograph is for illustrative purposes only.