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Indecent Act Arrest
A 42-year-old Peterborough man on a prohibition order to stay away from areas where children would frequent is facing new charges after an incident was reported to police.
On Monday, March 9, 2026, officers received a call from a concerned resident after they spotted a man masturbating in a public area near Bethune Street and Murray Street. The incident had happened around 5:00pm and the resident was further concerned as there was a child outside in the area. Officers searched the area upon being made aware of the incident, but were unable to locate the man. A short time later, police received a second call as the man had returned. Officers were able to locate a man matching the description given to police and took him into custody.
As a result of the investigation, 42-year-old Steven Watson of Peterborough was arrested and charged with:
- Indecent Act- public place
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order
- Fail to Comply with Prohibition Regarding Children
He is currently bound by a probation order with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
He is also bound by a prohibition order with the following conditions: to not attend a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of sixteen years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present or a daycare centre, school ground, playground or community centre.
The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court today, March 10, 2026.
Watson was the subject of a public safety notice issued in December 2025 by the Peterborough Police Service. https://www.peterboroughpolice.com/en/news/media-release-for-wednesday-december-10-2025.aspx
Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
Peterborough Police Service
876@peterboroughpolice.ca
705-876-1122 x217
How to report a crime:
There are several ways to report a crime to the Peterborough Police Service.
- Emergency call 9-1-1
- Non-emergency call 705-876-1122 x225
- Online through the official Online Reporting Portal at www.peterboroughpolice.com/online-reporting where you can also upload photos and/or video.
Or you can report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.stopcrimehere.ca
Learn more about what is happening in your community through the Community Safety Map.
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