Police in New South Wales have charged two men with a combined 144 offences following an alleged scam that targeted elderly women in shopping centre car parks across the state.
The Alleged Scam Operation
The elaborate ruse, which police say netted more than $50,000, involved the duo working together to deceive 18 elderly women between 3rd and 7th January. According to authorities, one man would approach a victim after she had returned to her vehicle, claiming there was a problem with her car, often suggesting a mechanical or cosmetic issue at the front.
NSW police assistant commissioner, Stacey Maloney, explained the method. "The victim then obviously gets out since they’re concerned," she stated. "They then show the person that there is an issue, the victim opens the bonnet and the two of them stand at the bonnet whilst the co-offender then engages in the stealing."
While the victim was distracted with the supposedly faulty vehicle, the second man would allegedly steal items from inside the car, including wallets, purses, cash, and bank cards.
Arrests and Charges
The two men, aged 37 and 57, were arrested by NSW police on Wednesday. The alleged thefts took place in locations including Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, and several Sydney suburbs.
Both have been charged with 72 offences each, relating to fraud, theft, and entering a vehicle without consent. Police confirmed the men are from Romania and had entered Australia on tourist visas on 28 December.
During a search, officers allegedly found a trove of items, including:
- Vehicle wires
- International passports
- Mobile phones
- A toughbook laptop
- $6,000 in cash
- Receipts for money transfers
Court Appearances and Ongoing Investigation
The accused men were refused bail and were due to appear in court on Thursday. Police investigations are continuing, and authorities have expressed a desire to speak with two other men in connection with the case.
Assistant Commissioner Maloney emphasised the predatory nature of the scam, noting the offenders presented themselves as good Samaritans to exploit the trust and concern of their elderly victims. The case highlights a stark warning about personal security in public car parks, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
