New South Wales police have charged two men over an alleged statewide scam scheme targeting older Australians.
Police allege the crimes involved two men approaching elderly female victims in shopping centre car parks, claiming there was an issue with their vehicles.
They will allege one man encouraged the victim to look under the bonnet, while his partner allegedly stole items such as wallets, purses, cash and cards from inside the vehicle.
Police have recorded 18 similar incidents to date, stretching from Wagga Wagga in the state’s south to Forster on the Mid North Coast.
Police allege the incidents took place in shopping centre car parks at:
Albion ParkAshfieldBeecroftBerowra HeightsDouble BayForsterGoulburnNewcastlePennant HillsPenrithShellharbourThe PondsTumutUnanderraWagga Wagga
Riverina targeted
Police allege elderly residents in the Riverina region were heavily targeted last weekend, with seven separate incidents recorded across Wagga Wagga, Tumut, Goulburn and Yass.
Riverina Police District Commander, Superintendent Andrew Spliet, said people in regional areas should remain vigilant when approached by strangers.
“Country people in the regional areas are very obliging and like to help people out,” he said.
“Unfortunately, people out there will try and take advantage of the good nature of our community.
“In this area, we haven’t seen something that I could recall on this scale.”
Two man have been charged with various offences related to an alleged statewide scam scheme. (Supplied: NSW Police)
Police arrested two men, aged 37 and 57, on the state’s Mid North Coast on Wednesday afternoon.
When searching their vehicle, police allegedly seized vehicle wires, international passports, $6,000 in cash and receipts of money transfers.
The men were both charged with 72 offences and refused bail.
They are due to face court later today.
Police have released images of two men they wish to speak with about a spree of scams at shopping centres. (Supplied: NSW Police)
Police are appealing to the public for help in tracking down two other men wanted for questioning over the crime spree.
Both are described as Caucasian men in their 40s.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.