Source : the age
A man has been arrested on suspicion of looking at children in a campground bathroom in Landsborough, north of Brisbane, and taking underwear from their tents.
The 21-year-old Caboolture South man was arrested earlier this month after police received reports from a three-year period, from 2022 until December last year.
The alleged offences took place at events at a campground in Landsborough, where reports said he had looked at children in the bathroom through the building’s windows.
Police said underwear were uncovered during a search of the 21-year-old’s home, inside a zip-up panda backpack.Credit: Queensland Police
The man was a volunteer group leader and police said he exploited his access to children – who were now aged between 13 and 16 – to commit offences against them.
During a search of the man’s home, officers reported seizing electronic devices and several pairs of underwear – which bodycam footage showed were hidden inside a zip-up panda backpack.
Investigators believed he had stolen the items in 2023 and 2024 from children’s tents.
Police charged the 21-year-old with 17 counts of unlawful entry, and 11 offences linked to stalking, the indecent treatment of children under 16, and observations in breach of privacy.
He was expected to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on June 16.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Gleeson said the investigation was continuing, and asked anyone with fresh information to come forward, saying “there may be further victims that are yet to report incidents to police”.
“We encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about appropriate behaviour, even from people considered safe or trusted adults in their life, and what to do if they feel uncomfortable about any behaviour and how they can report that behaviour,” Gleeson said.
“And if you believe you have been offended against … it is not your fault, and you are not alone, there are multiple reporting and support options available to you.”
