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Picturesque ports, stunning beaches and some of Cornwall's best-loved tourist attractions have appeared on a list of known 'dogging' sites, it has been revealed.

Several websites contain lists of popular dogging locations across the region where strangers meet for public sex - including some of the county's best-known landmarks.

They include waterfront car parks, public parks, a boating lake, and even a country park.

The underground practice – known as dogging – involves people performing sex acts in cars or in secluded spots while others watch.

Devon and Cornwall Police said previously that the force was trying to tackle the anti-social behaviour, but its powers to stop dogging are limited.

"Having sex in a public place is not actually an offence," a force spokesman said.

"The offence is one of public indecency, or public nuisance – so it's difficult to enforce any law.

"We cannot arrest anyone simply for having sex in a public place.

"We are aware of the issue, and we've asked officers to disrupt the problem.

"We say to people to tell the police about it and we'll see how we can deal with it, but ultimately it's not just down to the police, it's also one for the local authority."

Cornwall 'dogging' spots according to the online list:

Marazion

A car park overlooking the mount is not only famous for breathtaking views, but also its sordid nighttime antics.

Helston

According to the list the Helston Boating Lake car park has been known to be frequented by doggers, however having lived nearby the only noises I've heard are the sounds of boy racers' exhausts.

Bodmin

The Cardinham Woods car park is said to have been a popular spot for late night entertainment in the past.

Camborne

The car parks at Tehidy Woods Country Park are safe havens for doggers, offering seclusion and plentiful tree cover.

Hayle

There are several lay-bys on the coastal road between Hayle and Portreath which have been known to be rocking until the early hours.

Helston/Porthleven

(Image: Mike Thomas)

The cliff top car park overlooking Loe Bar beach has apparently seen its fair share of nighttime activity.

St Austell

(Image: CDM)

Perhaps inevitably, the nudist beach at Carlyon Bay is listed as a prime dogging site. Visitors are told to park at the Coliseum car park and make their way along the path to the end of the beach.

Callington

According to the Cornwall Council website the Kit Hill Country Club is a prime spot for bird watching. Little did they know.

St Neot

The 58 acres of parkland and forestry isn't just enjoyed by dog walkers.

Newquay area

Doggers who head to Crantock Beach's National Trust car park have been warned to watch out for patrolling police cars.

Torpoint

(Image: Paul Slater)

Doggers at Downderry Beach are advised to park to the east of Downderry and walk along the road until they meet the coast path which is on a sharp bend.

A steep path then goes down to three beaches, but two of the three get cut off by the tide so doggers have to keep an eye on advancing seas.

Newquay area

The Holywell Bay National Trust beach car park gets going at 11pm onwards with the car park located right next to the Penhale training camp.

Launceston

The car park at the town's leisure centre is popular with people indulging in a different type of exercise routine.

Feock

A quiet car park next to Loe Beach has proved popular with doggers over the years.

St Blazey

Luxulyan Valley is a little bit of a hot-spot, overlooked by its towering viaduct.

Mevagissey

The right hand side of Mevagissey's iconic harbour can be known to bounce into the early hours, apparently.

St Keverne

Yet another National Trust car park, this time at Goonhilly Downs.

St Austell

The Penwithick Social Club car park makes the list, although this one does seem an unlikely spot.

Par

Also popular with walkers, the car park on the left after the Par Docks traffic lights offers tree cover, a big plus in the dogging world.

Pendeen

Way down West, the Pendeen Lighthouse car park offers stunning sea views, naturally.

Gorran Haven

Vault Beach is a shingle beach and a hit with single doggers. I'll get my coat, that's enough for one day.