Key Takeaways
- Two men have been charged with 72 offences related to an alleged statewide scam scheme targeting older Australians in New South Wales.
- The scams involved approaching elderly female victims in shopping centre car parks, claiming there was an issue with their vehicles, and stealing items such as wallets, purses, cash, and cards.
- Police have recorded 18 similar incidents across the state, with elderly residents in the Riverina region being heavily targeted.
- The men were arrested on the state’s Mid North Coast and were found with vehicle wires, international passports, $6,000 in cash, and receipts of money transfers.
- Police are appealing to the public for help in tracking down two other men wanted for questioning over the crime spree.
Introduction to the Scam Scheme
The New South Wales police have charged two men over an alleged statewide scam scheme that has been targeting older Australians. The scheme involves two men approaching elderly female victims in shopping centre car parks, claiming that there is an issue with their vehicles. One of the men will then encourage the victim to look under the bonnet, while his partner steals items such as wallets, purses, cash, and cards from inside the vehicle. This scam has been reported in multiple locations across the state, including Albion Park, Ashfield, Beecroft, Berowra Heights, Double Bay, Forster, Goulburn, Newcastle, Pennant Hills, Penrith, Shellharbour, The Ponds, Tumut, Unanderra, and Wagga Wagga.
The Extent of the Scam
Police have recorded 18 similar incidents to date, stretching from Wagga Wagga in the state’s south to Forster on the Mid North Coast. The incidents have been reported in shopping centre car parks, where the scammers have been targeting elderly female victims. The police have alleged that the scammers have been working in pairs, with one man distracting the victim while the other steals their valuables. The victims have reported losing items such as wallets, purses, cash, and cards, with some also reporting that their vehicles have been tampered with.
The Riverina Region Targeted
Elderly residents in the Riverina region have been heavily targeted by the scammers, with seven separate incidents recorded across Wagga Wagga, Tumut, Goulburn, and Yass last weekend. Riverina Police District Commander, Superintendent Andrew Spliet, has warned people in regional areas to remain vigilant when approached by strangers. He stated that "country people in the regional areas are very obliging and like to help people out," but that "unfortunately, people out there will try and take advantage of the good nature of our community." The superintendent also noted that the scale of the scam is unprecedented in the area, saying "in this area, we haven’t seen something that I could recall on this scale."
The Arrest and Charges
Two men, aged 37 and 57, were arrested 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. The police have also released images of two men they wish to speak with about the spree of scams at shopping centres. The men are described as Caucasian men in their 40s, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Investigation and Appeal for Help
The police are continuing to investigate the scam scheme and are appealing to the public for help in tracking down the two other men wanted for questioning. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to bring the perpetrators to justice. The public is reminded to be vigilant when approached by strangers, especially in shopping centre car parks, and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. By working together, the police and the public can help to prevent further incidents of this scam and bring the perpetrators to justice.