Caboolture man charged over alleged offences against children at Landsborough camp

A Scout leader from a Sunshine Coast camp has been charged after he allegedly looked into bathrooms, stole underwear and committed sexual offences against children.

The organisation behind a Sunshine Coast scouts group has made a statement after a former section leader was arrested for allegedly looking into bathrooms, stealing underwear and committing sexual offences against children.

Detectives from the Sunshine Coast Child Protection Investigation Unit have urged for anyone with information regarding a 21-year-old Caboolture South man charged with 28 sexual and property offences to come forward.

In a statement, police allege the man had looked into bathrooms, occupied by children, during an event at a Landsborough campground in December, 2024.

An investigation revealed he had allegedly peeked into bathrooms at the same campground several times since 2022, and entered tents to steal children’s underwear throughout 2023 to 2024.

Police alleged the man had used his position as a volunteer group leader to gain access to children, and commit offences against children now aged between 13 and 16.

Scouts Queensland released a statement in response to the allegations against the man made by police.

It stated the organisation was aware of a former man scout section leader of the Landsborough Scouts Group who was arrested and charged with sexual and property related offences.

A man has been charged for stealing children's underwear and committing sexual offences against children at a Sunshine Coast camp. Photo: Queensland Police

Scouts Queensland received a child safety report in December last year, which was handed to police, and which led the leader’s membership to be terminated the same day.

“Scouts Queensland is actively assisting the Queensland Police Service with its investigation and will continue to provide all assistance possible,” the statement read.

“Direct support and counselling to current and former youth and adult members is being provided.”

Scouts Queensland labelled itself a “child-safe organisation” which treated all matters regarding child safety “very seriously”.

A search warrant at the man’s home on May 5 led to police allegedly seizing electronic devices for forensic examination and multiple pairs of children’s underwear.

Footage released by police show the man’s stash was allegedly kept in a panda plush backpack.

The man has been charged with 17 counts of enter dwelling and commit, five counts of indecent 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 is scheduled to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on June 16.

A man has been charged for stealing children's underwear and committing sexual offences against children at a Sunshine Coast camp. Photo: Queensland Police

Officer in charge of Sunshine Coast CPIU Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Grant Gleeson said police have urged anyone with information, or who has had similar interactions 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,” Act Snr Sgt Gleeson said.

“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.”

He encouraged parents and guardians to speak with their children about inappropriate behaviour, even from trusted adults, and how to report behaviour which has made a child feel uncomfortable.