Police make sweeping child abuse arrests during Child Protection Week

Among the arrests, a 46-year-old Fortitude Valley man was charged with a series of child abuse offences including filming and taking exploitive pictures of children in public toilets.

Queensland Police allege a 26-year-old Carina man was arrested trying to meet a 14-year-old for the purpose of sexual exploitation. He was also charged with making and possessing child exploitation material.

Other people charged included a 44-year-old Beerwah man, a 42-year-old Upper Kedron man, a 39-year-old Cairns man and a 22-year-old Albion man.

These arrests spanned from August 25 to September 1 in the lead up to National Child Protection Week which kicked off on September 3.

More than 8,000 child sex offence charges have been laid against 1587 Queensland residents since July 2022.

"These arrests are a reminder to parents and caregivers of the dangers of online predators and how crucial trusted loved ones are in teaching children about privacy, personal safety and that nothing is so awful they can't speak to them about it," Detective Acting Superintendent Glen Donaldson said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

As part of the National Child Protection Week, the AFP released images of alleged locations of interest including photos of a fireplace, a bed frame with a built in radio and a distinctive brick wall pattern and yellow curtains.

Police believe certain details in the images might serve as clues that could help crack cases and potentially remove vulnerable children from harm.

Members of the public who recognise any locations in the images are urged to contact investigators at the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation at www.accce.gov.au/report.

Help is available:

If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.

If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available at www.accce.gov.au/support.

Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.