Police have arrested two men accused of running a calculated scam that targeted older Australians in shopping centre car parks across New South Wales, allegedly stealing more than $50,000 in just five days.
The men, aged 37 and 57, were taken into custody on the Mid North Coast near Taree after travelling through multiple regional and metropolitan areas. Investigators allege the pair deliberately preyed on senior women, using distraction and deception to steal wallets, cash and bank cards while victims believed they were being helped.
According to police, the scam followed a consistent and carefully rehearsed pattern. One man would approach a woman who had just finished shopping and was seated in her car, claiming to have noticed a problem with the vehicle. The issue was described as mechanical or cosmetic, designed to prompt concern without causing alarm.
While the unsuspecting driver stepped out and opened the bonnet to inspect the supposed problem, a second offender allegedly slipped into the car and searched for valuables. Wallets, purses, cash and cards were taken in a matter of minutes, often without the victim realising until much later.
Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney described the alleged offending as “callous and cowardly”, saying the men exploited trust and kindness to carry out their crimes.
“These were people simply going about their day, doing their shopping, and they were targeted in a way that is quite disgraceful,” she said. “The offenders presented themselves as helpful strangers, which made it easier for victims to let their guard down.”
Police say most of the victims were over the age of 60, with the oldest in her mid 80s. In total, around 18 women are believed to have been targeted during the alleged crime spree, which took place between Saturday and Wednesday.
The incidents occurred in supermarket and shopping centre car parks across at least 15 suburbs in Sydney, as well as regional centres including Goulburn, Newcastle, Morisset, Tumut and Wagga Wagga. Authorities say the rapid movement between locations suggests the offenders were attempting to avoid detection.
The pair were arrested after police identified a pattern linking the thefts and tracked their vehicle to a service station at Glenthorne. A search of the men and their car allegedly uncovered $6,000 in cash, international passports, mobile phones, a laptop and multiple money transfer receipts.
Police allege the men had entered Australia on tourist visas late last year and began offending shortly after arriving. Investigators believe they travelled north from Victoria, carrying out the scam repeatedly as they moved through the state.
Each man has been charged with dozens of offences, including theft, fraud and entering a vehicle without consent, with a total of 72 charges laid between them.
Authorities also believe the operation extended beyond the two men already arrested. Police are searching for at least two additional suspects and have released CCTV images of individuals they wish to speak to as part of the investigation.
Assistant Commissioner Maloney said the alleged scam bore hallmarks of similar offending seen overseas and may be linked to a larger criminal network.
“We believe this may be part of a broader organisational syndicate, particularly given the evidence of money being transferred internationally,” she said. “This does not appear to be opportunistic offending.”
Police warn there may be more victims who are unaware they were targeted, particularly if bank cards or cash went missing without immediate detection. Seniors are being urged to remain vigilant in car parks and to be cautious of unsolicited offers of help from strangers.
Anyone who believes they may have been affected, or who recognises the suspects, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Police say early reporting can help prevent further victims and assist in dismantling organised scams that disproportionately harm older Australians.
The arrests come amid growing concern about scams targeting seniors, reinforcing calls for increased awareness and community education around distraction-based thefts in public spaces.
