Police say children in Perth faced a “serious and imminent” risk of kidnapping after uncovering a plot by 39‑year‑old Jason William Forbes to abduct and abuse a young girl in a secret, sound‑proof loft he built in his home.
WARNING: This story contains details that some readers may find distressing.
Forbes was sentenced to seven years in prison after police thwarted his elaborate plan, which involved impersonating a police officer to gain the child’s trust.
He had scouted nearby schools and kindergartens, then fitted his attic with sound‑proofing after researching how to construct a panic room.
The house is located in the suburb of Baldivis, south of Perth, only a few hundred metres from two schools and a childcare centre.
Sex Crime Division Detective Acting Superintendent Eamon Flanagan warned that “something terrible” could have happened if there had been any delay in intercepting Forbes.
“It was clear that there was serious and imminent risk if there had been any delay in this investigation,” Flanagan said.
Police raids uncovered two bespoke child‑like sex dolls ordered in 2024, more than 77,000 videos and images of child abuse described in court as “extremely depraved,” as well as nappies, children’s underwear, dolls and a fake police badge.
Investigators also found an “elaborate mind map” written on a mirror in the master bedroom outlining the abduction plan.
Search history showed Forbes looking up “volunteer childcare operate near me,” “chloroform,” and “knock out chemicals and gases.” He used his car to film children on a nearby driveway, saving a still image to a folder titled “X marks the spot.”
The vehicle had dark‑tinted Perspex sheets, preventing anyone from seeing inside.
Forbes’s sentence includes eligibility for parole in late 2029.
Advanced plan for abduction
The UK‑born suspect first attracted police attention when Australian Border Force officers seized the child‑like sex dolls he had imported.
Further raids revealed a cache of child‑related items and a massive collection of illegal material, underscoring the depth of his preparation.
A ‘rare’ case
Flanagan emphasized that the community can have confidence that authorities acted “rapidly” and with “the full force of the law,” noting that such meticulously planned cases are uncommon.
He urged residents to report suspicious activity through Crime Stoppers or local police, stressing that each tip is taken seriously.
Sex doll importation
ABF Inspector David Williamson said that within about ten days of intercepting one of the child‑like sex dolls, authorities moved in on Forbes’s home.
He noted that the kitchen bench held an electronic device playing child‑abuse material, while another doll was found in the bedroom.
Williamson added that 47 similar importations have been identified across Australia in the past year, with four people in Western Australia currently facing prosecution.
He warned that importing child‑like sex dolls is not a victimless crime and can act as an escalation point toward contact offences involving children.
‘It’s disgusting’: New home‑owner
The current owner, who asked to be called Amy, bought the house in February 2025 and expressed shock at the revelations, describing the neighbourhood as “a very nice street where the neighbours all know each other.”
Neighbour Kelly Robertson said the family felt they had “dodged the bullet” and were horrified to learn what could have happened to their own children.
She recalled that Forbes seemed like a quiet gamer who never gave any indication of interest in children before the raid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jason William Forbes’s alleged plan?
Forbes allegedly intended to kidnap a young girl, impersonate a police officer to gain access, and hold the child in a secret, sound‑proof loft he built in his home.
How did police uncover the plot?
The investigation began after Australian Border Force officers seized two child‑like sex dolls ordered by Forbes, leading to raids that uncovered extensive child‑abuse material, a mind map detailing the abduction, and modifications to his home and vehicle.
What sentence did Forbes receive?
Forbes was sentenced to seven years in prison and may be eligible for parole in late 2029.
What steps can communities take to support prevent similar threats?
