Share and Follow
Authorities have reported a series of thefts targeting elderly women in shopping center parking lots across the state, occurring between January 3 and January 7.
In these incidents, one suspect would approach the unsuspecting victims, claiming there was a problem with their vehicle and suggesting they open the hood for a check.
While the distraction was underway, an accomplice would allegedly rummage through the victims’ cars, stealing items such as wallets, purses, cash, and credit cards.
This operation reportedly spanned multiple locations, from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga, including Sydney.
In a recent development, police apprehended two men, aged 37 and 57, at a service station on Manning River Drive in Glenthorne, near Taree, in connection with these crimes.
Police believe the men arrived in Australia on December 28 last year, after they allegedly lied on their passenger cards and visa applications.
Today, both men will be charged with a further 17 offences, including dealing with the proceeds of crime, and making a false statement to an officer over migration.
Police are also seeking two other men, but investigators believe both men may now be overseas.
The first man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 40s, of solid build, wearing a white with black checkered long sleeve shirt, black shorts, sunglasses, and a black hat with a white graphic on front.
The second man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 40s, of medium build, wearing a white sleeve shirt, black shorts, black shoes with white bottoms, a blue face mask, and a black hat with a white graphic on front.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.