Children’s underwear was allegedly discovered in a backpack after police raided a home and arrested a man accused of using his role as a volunteer to spy on kids.
Queensland Police received a report in December that a man, 21, allegedly looked into bathrooms occupied by children at an event at a campground in Landsborough.
Officers said further investigations found he had allegedly been looking into the bathroom multiple times since 2022 at the Sunshine Coast campsite.
He also allegedly entered tents and stole children’s underwear on multiple occasions between 2023 and 2024.
‘Police will allege the man utilised his volunteer position as a group leader to gain access to children,’ a Queensland Police spokesman said.
‘It is alleged he committed numerous offences against children now aged between 13 to 16.’
Detectives searched a home at Caboolture and arrested the 21-year-old on May 5 after allegedly seized multiple electronic devices and pairs of children’s underwear.
In footage from the arrest, police could be seen taking a panda backpack which contained the underwear.
Queensland Police have charged a 21-year-old man (pictured) with 28 sexual and property offences, including five counts of unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassing or abuse
Detectives said they found a backpack which contained children’s underwear when searching the property where they arrested the young man
The man was subsequently charged with 28 sexual and property offences, 17 of which were for entering dwelling and commit.
He also faced five counts of incident treatment of children under 16 (carer), five counts of unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassing or abuse, and one count of observations in breach of privacy.
‘Due to the nature of the man’s alleged offending, and the access he had to children over many years, we are conscious there may be further victims,’ Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Gleeson said.
‘We’re appealing to witnesses or anyone that could assist this investigation to come forward.’
He said those who believe they have been offended are encouraged to report their experience to the police.
‘It is not your fault and you are not alone, there are multiple reporting and support options available to you,’ he said.
The sergeant also warned parents and guardians to speak to their children about appropriate behaviour – even from people they consider safe or trust.
He also advised they inform children what to do if they feel uncomfortable and how they can report behaviour.
The man is expected to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on June 16.
