Self-proclaimed paedophile hunter says he’s exposing sex offenders in Christchurch
Police are warning against vigilante behaviour after a self-proclaimed “paedophile catcher” posted online videos of himself meeting alleged offenders in Christchurch.
The man calls himself a ‘pastor’ and poses as an underage girl online, arranging meetings before luring alleged paedophiles into public places. He then films the confrontation on his cell phone.
In several videos the man shouts at the alleged paedophiles ordering them to “say sorry to New Zealand.”
In one video the man confronts another man telling him “I catch peadophiles, and you agreed to meet a 15 year old girl.”
He relays parts of the sexuallity explicit text chat that allegedly took place between the two.
Police were unable to say if they had received complaints about alleged paedophiles in Christchurch or the man chasing them.
The man has also posted numerous unrelated videos of himself shouting and preaching at Cathedral Square and in other parts of New Zealand.
In another video, he filmed himself harassing a Santa at a Christchurch shopping mall.
The man asked the Santa if he supported President Donald Trump and berated him for not answering.
The visibly distressed Santa can be seen asking the man to stop filming, but he continues.
Mall staff are filmed asking him to leave. He shouts back - calling them “liberals.”
Social media has been divided over the man’s vigilante actions with some supporting him, while others have condemned his behaviour.
The man's vigilante tactics mirrors that of Connor Bevins who dubbed himself “the Palmy Creep Catcher.”
He was sentenced in the Palmerston North District Court last year to two years and eight months in jail for offences under the Harmful Digital Communications Act.
A police spokeswoman told Chris Lynch “police in general discourage members of the public from such behaviour as they could place themselves and other members of the public at risk.”
She said “such behaviour could also harm current or future police investigations targeting online offenders.”
“We would hate to see such behaviour hindering or preventing a prosecution against an online offender.”
The police spokeswoman said police encourage anyone who has concerns about potential offending to contact the immediately.
“All complaints will be taken seriously and followed up as appropriate.”
The man’s public Facebook page, includes phone numbers and licence plate details of alleged offenders.
The Harmful Digital Communications Act prohibits people from disclosing personal information that could be used to harass a person.
A Facebook spokesperson told Chris Lynch the company is investigating the page and will take swift action if it identifies any violation of policies.
Another social media company where the videos appeared said they hoped to release a statement on Monday.