Uniformed PCSO mistaken for male stripper at a Wiltshire woman's 50th birthday
The mix-up was 'flattering' says the PCSO
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When the police arrive at your party, it’s time to start behaving.
Not for those at one 50-year-old woman's birthday in Wiltshire, however, who assumed uniformed police community support officer Mike Obern was the male stripper they had hired and "went wild with excitement".
"The party was about to get started and they thought I was early", Mr Obern, who is in his mid-20s and engaged, told the BBC.
"I had to beat a hasty retreat."
"It's a matter of personal taste, but the uniforms aren't very flattering, so I guess [the mix-up] is flattering," he said.
Mr Obern was on foot patrol in Bradford-on-Avon when he noticed a door propped open at a social club he knew was usually shut during the weekend.
There were no cars in the car park so he decided to "poke his head round the door" to investigate.
"But as I went in there were loud cheers and someone shouted: ‘Oh, are you the stripogram?’"
Once he had revealed there had been a mix-up, the women's disappointment didn't last for long.
As Mr Obern made his excuses and left, he passed the real stripper on his way in.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments