A Sydney man who has been charged with child abuse material and filming without consent allegedly had modified cameras hidden in his shoelaces.

At the beginning of this month, authorities initiated an investigation following reports that a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old girl were recorded in public spaces without their permission in the north-west part of the city.

Yesterday morning, officers searched a home in Strathfield.

Authorities reportedly discovered and confiscated clothing, mobile phones, various electronic storage devices, and two modified video cameras hidden within shoe laces.

A 49-year-old individual was apprehended at the residence and taken to Burwood Police Station. He was charged with four counts of aggravated filming of a person’s private parts without permission, as well as one count of possessing child abuse material.

He has been refused bail and will appear at Burwood Local Court today.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.