Horsham Rural City Council has today declared its town hall clear of surveillance devices and other evidence of security breaches after a comprehensive second sweep on Thursday.

While Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives have confirmed that ‘no electronic devices or cameras have been located at the town hall at any time’, an investigation remains ongoing.

A police spokesperson said ‘at this early stage, police are working to confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident’.

Detectives identified a person of interest in relation to the allegations and executed two search warrants at a Horsham home on April 2; mobile phones, computers and storage devices were seized and will be forensically examined. 

That person was initially stood down by his employer, and is now no longer employed. 

Council engaged a specialist counter-surveillance inspection firm to inspect the building after the police’s April 1 search, following reports of hidden cameras being placed in the changerooms on several occasions.

Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss said while the results of the latest inspection were a relief, council and the community continued to work through a stressful and unsettling situation as the police investigation continued.

“Because of the police investigation, council is restricted in what we can and cannot say about the matter,” he said.

“But that does not mean we’ll stop supporting or helping people through this difficult time, or take additional steps, such as yesterday’s inspection, to ensure Horsham Town Hall is completely safe.

“This latest inspection also confirms what Victoria Police said late yesterday that cameras were never found at the Horsham Town Hall during the initial police searches, and we can confirm they were not found in this latest inspection.”

Cr Klowss said a safe and secure town hall meant council could confidently resume the scheduling of performances, events and other activities at the venue.

“This is a critical time for us as a community,” he said.

“Horsham Town Hall is a place where our community comes together, and it is vitally important that everyone feels safe and respected. 

“While we have taken important steps towards restoring confidence, we recognise the considerable stress and uncertainty this situation has caused within our community.  

“It is unhelpful, disrespectful, and inappropriate to speculate about who might have been involved or what happened, as this can add to the stress already being experienced.  

“I am encouraged that I have not seen many examples of this behaviour and think that is a credit to our staff and community.

“During times like this, it‘s important that we support one another, and show care and respect to each other, as we all work through this situation together.”

Cr Klowss said council took matters of privacy and public confidence extremely seriously.

“We will continue to respond appropriately to any concerns - to clarify and correct where we find misinformation - and provide regular updates to our staff, key town hall stakeholders, and the community, as further information becomes available,” he said.

In an active and ongoing investigation, police are working to confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident, and to identify people and organisations that may have been impacted.

Anyone with information or anyone with concerns who may have attended the venue and utilised the change rooms during performances is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.