A community is reeling over accusations a man filmed dozens of people, including children, inside their homes without their knowledge.

Photos and videos of approximately 40 people were found in the 32-year-old man’s Maroochydore home in February, police have said.

The people were allegedly unknowingly filmed inside their own homes from late 2021 to February 2025.

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Police allege officers also uncovered child exploitation material while executing a search warrant at the man’s home.

Officers then allegedly found the photos and videos of people inside their homes, apparently taken through windows.

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

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

The man was arrested 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 refused police bail and is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday.

“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 Robert Lowry said.

“Detectives will continue to prioritise the privacy and well-being of those affected.”

Lowry said police were still working to identify the remaining 17 people in the photos and videos and urged anyone with information to contact police.

“People should not have to fear a breach of privacy in the comfort of their own home,” he said.

Lowry said support had been offered to the known alleged victims, and that most of the photos and videos were alleged to have been taken in the Maroochydore CBD, around unit blocks and other built-up areas.

At least one of the alleged victims had seen a “semi-clothed” person running off into the night, he said, while others remained unaware they were being filmed.

Most of the alleged offending is believed to have been carried out in the late evening to early morning hours.