Second man to face court in relation to Taskforce Tydeus

ACT Policing has arrested and charged a 41-year-old Belconnen man in relation to an alleged act of indecency against a child in Macquarie.

He is the second man to face the ACT Magistrates Court in relation to Taskforce Tydeus.

Around 11am Friday 17 August 2018 police responded to reports of two primary students being approached by a man near a boundary fence.

During this interaction, the male allegedly committed an act of indecency against one of the students.

The students ran from the location and informed teachers at the school about the incident.

As a result of information provided by the students, witnesses and information from the public, a 41-year-old Belconnen man was arrested yesterday (Monday 1 October 2018) following a search of his home.

Detective Acting Superintendent Matthew Reynolds said the man was subsequently charged with committing an act of indecency against a child and will face the ACT Magistrates Court today.

“I’d like to note that the report of the incident came to us quickly and the information provided gave our investigators a great starting point to identify and locate this man,” said Detective Acting Superintendent Reynolds.

“Information received by members of the public directly assisted police with undertaking the search warrant.

“We want to thank the public for the information they have provided and continue to provide.”

Detective Reynolds said he would like to assure the community ACT Policing is committing all available resources to investigate these child approach incidents. 

“Can I ask all parents and carers to continue to discuss stranger safety with their children,” he said.

Police are urging anyone who may have any information that could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6269577. Information can be provided anonymously.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au