A volunteer leader has been accused of spying on children in a bathroom and stealing their underwear at a campground for years.
The 21-year-old Caboolture South man has been charged with almost 30 offences after allegedly targeting children now aged between 13 to 16 at the Sunshine Coast site from 2022.
However police on Monday said there may be more children who have not yet reported incidents.
Police received a report that a man was looking into bathrooms occupied by children during an event at the Landsborough camp site in December 2024.
An investigation found the man had been looking into the camp site bathroom multiple times since 2022, police said.
He also entered tents and stole children’s underwear from 2023 to 2024 at the campground, police allege.
“Police will allege the man utilised his volunteer position as a group leader to gain access to children,” a police statement said.
Detectives searched a Caboolture home on May 5 and seized multiple pairs of children’s underwear, police said.
Police on Monday released video of their investigation, with officers opening up a panda-shaped bag with underwear inside during their search of a Sunshine Coast residence.
The man was arrested on May 5 and charged with a string of offences including five counts of unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassing or abuse.
“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 that are yet to report incidents to police,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Grant Gleeson said.
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone who can help to come forward.
“If you believe you have been offended against, I also encourage you to report your experience to police,” Det Gleeson said.
“It is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple reporting and support options available to you.”
“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.”
The 21-year-old man is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on June 16.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day. Quote this reference number: QI2402203078.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
