A 32-year-old Maroochydore man has been caught allegedly filming people in their homes without their knowledge.
The man was initially arrested on 3 February after allegedly performing incident acts in his car on a residential street in Maroochydore.
Further investigations led police to allegedly find child exploitation material, and photos and videos of people that had been unknowingly filmed in their homes.
Sunshine Coast police will allege the man filmed people from outside their homes, largely through windows, on his mobile phone.
Police have identified approximately 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 then established Operation Xray Pelham.
Under this operation, police are continuing to investigate the alleged offences and work to identify the approximately 35 outstanding people who appear in the footage.
Police have identified photos and videos from late 2021 to February 2025.
Further investigations led police to allege the man entered a woman’s home in Maroochydore and sexually assault 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 set to reappear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 31 March.
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.
In an effort to do so, detectives from the Sunshine Coast CIB and CIC Sexual Crime Unit will be doorknocking parts of Maroochydore this week.
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 well-being of those affected.”
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.
