Sunshine Coast Police investigate claims man filmed 40 people and a child
Police have spoken to about 300 residents during an investigation into allegations a man, charged with other sexual offences, also filmed 40 people in their Sunshine Coast homes.
Sunshine Coast
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Sunshine Coast detectives have door knocked about 30 streets in Maroochydore as part of their investigation into allegations a man filmed about 40 people and a child in their homes without their knowledge.
About 300 residents spoke to police as part of an ongoing investigation over a man accused of filming about 40 people and one child in their homes without their knowledge.
Police door knocked about 30 streets in Maroochydore last week as part of Operation Xray Pelham.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said data from the door knocks was being collated and analysed, but no additional charges have been laid at this stage.
A 32-year-old Maroochydore man was initially arrested on February 3 after allegedly masturbating in his car on a residential street in Maroochydore.
A further investigation led police to allegedly find child exploitation material, and photos and videos of people who had been unknowingly filmed in their homes.
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said investigations were ongoing under Operation Xray Pelham.
She said detectives had doorknocked about 30 streets in Maroochydore.
“Data from the doorknocks is still being collated so there is no further information that can be provided at this time,” the spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman said no further charges had been laid.
Police allege the man filmed people from outside their homes, largely through windows, on his mobile phone.
Police have identified about 40 adults, and at least one child. So far five people have been positively identified.
Detectives from the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), assisted by the Crime and Intelligence Command (CIC) Sexual Crime Unit established Operation Xray Pelham.
Under this operation, police are continuing to investigate the alleged offences and work to identify about 35 outstanding people who appear in the footage.
Police have identified photos and videos from late 2021 to February 2025.
A further investigation led police to allege the man entered a woman’s home in Maroochydore and sexually assaulted her in October 2021.
A 32-year-old Maroochydore man has been charged with one count each of indecent acts, possessing child exploitation material, using a carriage service to access child pornography, sexual assault, and burglary.
He was due to reappear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on March 31.
Police are appealing to the public for information and to identify the people pictured in the photos and videos that were in the man’s possession.
Police are appealing to anyone that has noticed a red Mazda 6 or a white Toyota Camry parked near their home, or suspicious activity around their home at night, to contact Policelink.
Sunshine Coast CIB Officer in Charge Detective Senior Sergeant Robert Lowry said investigations are ongoing.
“This sexualised, concerning behaviour is not accepted in our community and we’re working to ensure all those who have been impacted by the man’s alleged offences, are identified, notified and supported,” Detective Senior Sergeant Lowry said.
“If you’re concerned this may be you, or you have witnessed any relevant suspicious behaviour, please speak to police.
“The door knocks will be focused on asking residents in the Maroochydore area if they have noticed any suspicious behaviour or have information that may assist investigations. It may also allow police to identify individuals in the material.
“We understand the community’s concern regarding the sensitivities of this investigation and I can assure the community that detectives are prioritising the privacy and wellbeing of those affected.”
Senior Sergeant Lowry reiterated the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to police.
“We can only work on information we know of at the time,” he said.
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