Ballarat Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a series of lewd acts in the presence of children in Wendouree and Ballarat.
Detectives are investigating reports of six similar incidents that occurred between 10 April and 6 May.
On each occasion a grey or silver utility has slowly driven alongside pedestrians and on five instances the male driver has exposed himself and performed a sexual act in the presence of the victims.
On four of the occasions sexual acts were committed in the presence of children aged between 10 and 14.
The reported incidents occurred at the following locations and dates.
– 10 April at 1pm in the vicinity of Norman Street and Daphne Street, Wendouree
– 11 April at 2pm in the vicinity of Grevillea Road and Gillies Street Wendouree
– 18 April at 8am in the vicinity of Norman Street and Forest Street, Wendouree
– 29 April at 9am in the vicinity of Stawell Street and Eureka Street, Ballarat East
– 6 May at 8.40am in the vicinity of Eureka Street and Kline Street, Ballarat East
– 6 May at 1.50pm in the vicinity of Gillies Street and Huntington Street, Wendouree
Investigators have been told the driver was a middle-aged Caucasian man.
Detectives have released CCTV and images of the vehicle they believed to be involved in the incidents and are appealing for anyone who recognises it to come forward.
The utility is believed to be a Mazda BT-50 with a freestyle cab, steel tray, silver bull-bar and dark-coloured wheels.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
