Alex Hammond arrested for allegedly filming people in their homes in Maroochydore

It can be revealed a man accused of filming people in their homes over almost four years had his movements allegedly discovered after police found hideous files of child abuse on his phone.

Detectives have allegedly uncovered images of unsuspecting residents and naked children who have been filmed without their knowledge by a Maroochydore man accused of possessing horrid images of child abuse.

Almost four dozen alleged victims have been identified by police following the arrest of Alex Francis Hammond who is accused of filming residents, including children as young as nine-years-old, in their Maroochydore homes over a period of almost four years.

Under Operation Xray Pelham, Sunshine Coast detectives assisted by the Crime and Intelligence Command Sexual Crime Unit collaborated following the execution of a search warrant at a Maroochydore home on February 10 which allegedly uncovered child exploitation material.

During the search police also allegedly found photos and videos of 40 people who had been unknowingly filmed in their homes from October 11, 2021 to February 2, 2025.

Police have released footage of the Maroochydore man’s arrest on Wednesday. Picture: QPS

Through door knocking and extensive investigations, police identified 23 people featured in the recordings including four children, all residing in Maroochydore.

Police allege the man filmed people from outside their homes, largely through windows, on his mobile phone.

The 32-year-old was arrested in Maroochydore on Wednesday and charged with 36 offences including 29 counts of observations or recordings in breach of privacy, five counts of indecent treatment of children under 16, and one count each of indecent treatment of children under 12 and stalking.

He has been charged with numerous offences. Picture: QPS

He was refused police bail and appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday through duty lawyer Michael Robinson who said Hammond could continue to comply with bail conditions he was given on February 11.

The duty solicitor said Hammond’s other lawyer was acting for the 32-year-old on his other charges, which included sexual assault, possessing child exploitation material, using a carriage service to access child abuse material, enter dwelling with intent at night and an indecent act in public.

During a previous bail application, police allege Hammond sexually assaulted a woman during a break-in, masturbated near a children’s playground and possessed a secret stash of files depicting the hideous abuse of children on his mobile phone.

He was granted bail on these charges.

Police prosecutor Brendan Newman objected to the Maroochydore man’s second release and referenced a detective’s claim in court documents who believed Hammond was a “chronic risk” to the community.

Sergeant Newman alleged the offending related to 86 recordings of people in their homes. He told the court 40 people had been allegedly identified already with the youngest being a nine-year-old child.

The police prosecutor said Hammond allegedly admitted he owned the phone which had the recordings and said no one else had access to it.

Mr Robinson claimed the married cleaner, who no longer worked at Sunshine Plaza but another business, had not committed any other offences since he was bailed almost three months ago and could continue on these conditions.

Hammond leaving the watch-house in February. Picture: Sam Turner

Magistrate Rod Madsen alleged there was a “great risk” Hammond would commit more crimes which was clear by the number of offences along with the amount and variety of victims.

Mr Madsen said police alleged the 32-year-old’s offences were “opportunistic” and believed if Hammond was convicted of all of his offences currently, he would most likely serve a jail sentence upwards of four years.

Bail was refused, with the Maroochydore man’s matters adjourned to May 26.

Police believe there were approximately 17 people yet to be identified in photos and videos continue to appeal to anyone with information to contact police.

Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch Officer in Charge Robert Lowry said though work is ongoing to identify the remaining people, he’s pleased with the current result.

“I appreciate this is a confronting incident for people living in Maroochydore and appreciate the community’s co-operation as we completed our thorough investigations,” Detective Senior Sergeant Lowry said.

“Detectives will continue to prioritise the privacy and wellbeing of those affected.”

In a press conference on Thursday, Detective Senior Sergeant Lowry alleged police had narrowed down the areas frequented by Hammond in the late evening and early morning to unit blocks and other built up areas and not necessarily houses or estates.

“Everyone has the right to enjoy the privacy of their own home. However, even if you’re in your own home, you have to be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to police”

“Support is available to victims from police.”