DORSET police have pledged to get tough on couples indulging in outdoor sex at beauty spots.

Their warning came after a couple caught performing a sex act on Studland beach were hauled before magistrates and fined.

The internet is being blamed for an increase in the number of people travelling to Studland and other local beauty spots and indulging in public sexual activity - known as "dogging".

Sergeant Jon Bleasdale, of Swanage police, said they were determined to tackle the problem. "We have had an increase in complaints and of the number of people involved in sexual activity.

"People think that if they are in the sand dunes then they can do what they like, but they can't.

"There are plenty of people, including children, who visit the area. We have no problem with naturists but we will carry on our undercover operations all year round until we make the beach safe for all users."

Anthony Cleaveland and Marcia Smallman, of Trefoil Way in Christchurch, pleaded guilty to outraging public decency at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor Pat Marlow said they set up a windbreak on Studland beach on June 27 and began to perform sex acts on each other.

They and two voyeuristic naturists watching them were caught by patrolling police officers, the court heard.

She said: "Studland is a popular holiday destination. Visitor numbers are as high as 25,000 a day in summer."

John Chediak, defending, told the court: "Both parties were consenting. They didn't think they could be seen and were very discreet."

Magistrates fined them £200 each and ordered them to pay £43 costs.

First published: October 5