The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are to join forces with Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in an effort to solve cold case child sex abuse crimes.
The AFP has announced that during this month’s Rugby League football finals, video screens at the stadium would promote the Stop Child Abuse – Trace an Object campaign.
It said the campaign encouraged the public to become community detectives and provide tip-offs and information to investigators.
AFP Commander Hilda Sirec said a QR code would be shown on screens that would direct spectators to the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) website, which had released non-confrontational images extracted from child exploitation videos.
“Images include unique clothing, furniture, soft furnishings, tiles, and bed sheets,” Commander Sirec said.
“Investigators from the ACCCE believe the victims are in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia.”
Minister for Home Affairs, Karen Andrews said the work of protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation was one the entire community could get behind and play a part in.
“Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility and the ACCCE’s Stop Child Abuse – Trace an Object campaign highlights why the public’s support is so vital,” Ms Andrews said.
Commander Sirec said there were cases where the police had exhausted their leads.
“We believe the abuse is still continuing and that’s why we need help from the community,” she said.
“These are images from our cold cases. We will never give up on these children.
“We need to find them because no child should have to endure the abuse they are encountering.”
She said there were people in the community who could help investigators.
“We are hoping spectators may be among the community detectives who help us crack these cases,” Commander Sirec said.
