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A 21-year-old volunteer group leader has been slapped with a series of charges after allegedly stealing children’s underwear from tents at a campground on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The alleged offences were committed at the campground in Landsborough and date back as early as 2022, according to Queensland Police.
Police were first tipped off to the alleged crime when they received a report in December 2024 about a man who had allegedly looked into bathrooms occupied by children during an event.
Investigations found the man had allegedly been looking into the bathroom at that site several times since 2022.
The man also allegedly entered tents and stolen children’s underwear several times throughout 2023 and 2024.
Child Protection Investigation Unit detectives stormed a home in Caboolture on May 5 and allegedly seized several electronic devices and pairs of children’s underwear.
The man, a 21-year-old from Caboolture South, was arrested and charged with 17 counts of enter dwelling and commit, 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.
He will face Maroochydore Magistrates Court on June 16.
Police alleged the man had used his volunteer position as group leader to access children and committed several offences against children now aged between 13 to 16.
Child Protection Investigation Unit Officer in Charge Grant Gleeson said there are believed to be more victim-survivors and urged anyone with information or interactions of a similar nature to come forward.
“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,” he said.
“We’re appealing to witnesses or anyone that could assist this investigation to come forward.
“And if you believe you have been offended against, I also encourage you to report your experience to police.
“It is not your fault and you are not alone, there are multiple reporting and support options available to you.”
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
