Two men have been charged after allegedly defrauding 18 elderly women of more than $50,000 in a series of shopping centre car park scams across New South Wales.
NSW Police arrested the men, aged 37 and 57, on Wednesday following investigations into alleged thefts in Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, and several Sydney suburbs. The offences reportedly occurred between 3 January and 7 January.
Police allege the men worked together, targeting victims who had just completed their shopping. One man would approach a victim, claiming there was an issue with their vehicle, and ask them to lift the bonnet so he could inspect it. While the victim attended to the vehicle, the second man allegedly stole items from inside the car, including wallets, purses, cash, and cards.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney said the pair had appeared to act as “good Samaritans” to lure victims.
“They approached them on the driver’s side or at the front of the vehicle and indicated some sort of issue with the car,” Maloney said. “The victim then gets out, concerned that there is a mechanical or cosmetic problem. While one shows the issue, the co-offender engages in the stealing.”
The two men have each been charged with 72 offences, including fraud, theft, and entering a vehicle without consent. Police stated the men, from Romania, had been in Australia on tourist visas since 28 December.
During a search of the suspects and their vehicle, officers allegedly recovered vehicle wires, international passports, mobile phones, a toughbook laptop, $6,000 in cash, and receipts for money transfers.
Both men have been refused bail and were scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
Police are continuing their investigation and are seeking to speak with two other men potentially connected to the scam. Authorities have urged anyone who may have been targeted in NSW car parks in early January to come forward.
The arrests follow an ongoing effort by NSW Police to tackle opportunistic crimes targeting vulnerable members of the community, particularly elderly shoppers.
