The Mayor of Horsham, Brian Klowss, has expressed his apprehension regarding the possibility that his children may have been filmed without their knowledge while using the changing facilities at the Horsham Town Hall four years ago.
Victoria Police are currently looking into allegations of hidden cameras located in the theatre’s changing rooms and have confiscated various electronic devices from a site in Horsham as part of their investigation.
Authorities are encouraging anyone who believes they might have been impacted by this situation to reach out to Crime Stoppers.
Mayor Klowss, representing a regional council in Victoria’s western region, voiced his concerns about the potential existence of secret cameras in the theatre’s changing areas, suggesting they could have been present for an extended period.
Although his children have not utilized the facilities since 2022, Klowss shares the worries of many parents who fear their children may have been recorded without consent.
An employee at the Horsham Town Hall initiated the investigation on April 1 by reporting “suspicious activity,” which led the council to alert law enforcement.
On April 2, Victoria Police carried out two search warrants in Horsham, seizing mobile devices, computers, and storage units for detailed forensic analysis.
Authorities have indicated that a person of interest in the case has been suspended from their position, but details regarding the timeline of the alleged offenses remain undisclosed, leaving the extent of the impact unclear.
Klowss acknowledged the understandable concern among parents, stating, “Anyone who has had any involvement with the building would understandably be alarmed, and I share those feelings.” He mentioned having reviewed when his children participated in productions at the venue.
He expressed a desire to provide more specific information about the timeline of the alleged incidents but acknowledged that he was unable to do so.
According to Klowss, staff members at the town hall are “absolutely devastated” by these serious allegations. “There is rightful concern among the public,” he added.
In response to the situation, an independent security consultant conducted an additional search of the building after the police’s initial investigation. This search utilized a handheld device designed to locate recording equipment, including fish-eye cameras, which can be cleverly concealed.
Klowss mentioned that the cost of the second search would range from $5,000 to $10,000, although no cameras were discovered during either of the searches conducted.
However, he emphasized that the absence of cameras in those searches does not necessarily indicate that they were never present. “That is a matter for forensic analysis and the police to determine,” he stated.
The mayor conveyed understanding regarding the confusion some potential victims may feel about the situation but urged anyone who suspects they or their children may have been affected to contact Crime Stoppers. “This investigation is likely to be complex and prolonged,” Klowss noted.
