Police have charged a 31-year-old Sunshine Coast man with 116 offences, following extensive investigations on the Sunshine Coast District into child abuse offences.
It will be alleged the man had been actively targeting minors online since August 2023.
Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU) detectives executed a search warrant at a Sunshine Coast property in February, where the 31-year-old man was taken into custody.
He has been charged with 116 offences include rape, stalking, taking a child for immoral purposes, indecent treatment of a child, possess child exploitation material, make child exploitation material and supply dangerous drugs.
The man has been refused police bail and is due to reappear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on March 18.
Police have identified the multiple children involved and are continuing to work with and provide support to them and their families.
Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said it’s a reminder for parents to be aware of their child’s online activity.
“If you leave your child alone with a computer or phone in their bedroom, you are inviting strangers into their bedroom,” Detective Inspector Toohey said.
“We’re outlining this man’s charges because we want parents to become more aware of the people their children can be exposed to online and the ways they interact with minors.
“Predatory behaviour is incredibly manipulative and can include scamming techniques.
“The CPIU encourages parents to work with their children on an agreed list of trusted people they can connect with on social media, and block users outside of that.
“It’s important that parents know the password or passcode to their children’s laptops, phones or other devices.
“CPIU suggests children should not take devices and headphones into bedrooms, bathrooms or behind closed doors.
“Please remind your children to never provide personal details like their home address or phone number to people online.
“We encourage children to listen to their instincts and tell a trusted adult if any conversation seems ‘creepy’ or makes them feel uncomfortable.”
CPIU also suggest the following to help keep your child safe online:
• Keep your computer in a family room, not in a bedroom
• Understand parenting controls on your internet browser
• Help your child understand that not everyone online is what they seem
• Know who your child is talking to online and what websites or apps they’re using
• Never allow your child to have an unsupervised meeting offline with anyone they meet online
For more online safety resources, visit the QPS website: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting/reporting-cybercrime/children-and-the-internet
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Quote this reference number: QP2400235707
If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online via: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, over the phone or face to face at a police station.
There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
