Several men have been issued formal warnings after being spotted acting indecently on Dartford Heath.

Dartford’s Community Safety Unit was alerted after a resident witnessed sexual activity at the family park and reported the vehicle registration numbers of nearby vehicles to the team.

The council refused to give specific details but said that there was not an “everyday term” that could be used to describe it.

The unit – which is staffed jointly by Dartford council and police officers – has confirmed it has contacted a number of addresses linked to the vehicles involved in the indecency.

Each received a formal warning that their behaviour could result in a fixed notice penalty or a civil injunction to protect the local community and prevent such offences recurring.

“We are absolutely determined to stop offensive and anti-social behaviour on the Heath" - Dartford council spokeman

A spokeswoman for Dartford council said: “We are absolutely determined to stop offensive and anti-social behaviour on the Heath and of all the actions available to us we have found few as effective as sending a letter to the registered keeper of vehicles making it clear that their car, van or lorry has been involved in behaviour likely to offend public decency.

“An individual or company registered to a vehicle is not always aware of its involvement in anti-social behaviour but we find that the offences tend to stop pretty quickly once we have alerted them.”

The letters were issued using new powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

They inform a person that their behaviour is considered to be anti-social and, if continued, a formal community protection notice will be served on them.

This is the first stage in taking action which could result in a fixed penalty of £100 and, upon summary conviction, a fine of up to £2,500 or whichever order the court deems necessary to prevent the behaviour from recurring, such as a civil injunction or criminal behaviour order.

If you witness anyone acting anti-socially on Dartford Heath and are prepared to give a statement, contact the Community Safety Unit on 01322 343434 or call police on 101.