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HomeAUCharges Filed Against Two, Manhunt Underway for Additional Suspects in 'Bonnet Up'...

Charges Filed Against Two, Manhunt Underway for Additional Suspects in ‘Bonnet Up’ Scam Preying on Elderly Women

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Two men have been hit with 72 charges each after an alleged scam targeting elderly drivers in car parks across New South Wales.
The pair, aged 37 and 57, were arrested at a service station in Glenthorne on the state’s Mid North Coast yesterday, after police conducted investigations into 18 incidents of alleged theft across Sydney and New South Wales.

Authorities have accused two men of orchestrating a scheme targeting elderly women in shopping center parking lots. This so-called “bonnet up” scam allegedly took place over the past week, with incidents reported from last Saturday through yesterday.

Two men were arrested, with $6000 allegedly being found on them and in their car.
Two men were arrested, with $6000 allegedly being found on them and in their car. (Supplied)
The scam allegedly involves one of the men approaching the victim, claiming a problem with their car, before asking them to open the bonnet to check the ‘issue’.

The scam reportedly involved one man distracting the victim by pretending there was an issue under the car’s bonnet. Meanwhile, the other man is said to have stolen valuables from the vehicle, including wallets, purses, and cash.

Police believe incidents took place in places far and wide, including Penrith, Beecroft and Pennant Hills in Sydney, and in regional cities such as Newcastle, Wagga Wagga and Goulburn.

The alleged activities spanned across 15 different suburbs and towns, according to the reports.

When the pair were arrested, police allegedly found $6000 in cash, international passports, and several receipts for money transfers.

The suspects were apprehended and taken to Taree Police Station. They each face a staggering 72 charges, encompassing offenses such as fraud, theft, and unlawful entry into vehicles.

Police are searching for two more men in relation to the scam.
Police are searching for two more men in relation to the scam. (Supplied)

Both men were denied bail and are scheduled to make a court appearance today.

Police are also searching for two other men as part of their investigations.

Releasing CCTV footage, police are searching for two Caucasian men in their 40s, who were both wearing hats and blue face masks.

Anyone who may recognise these men or has information that may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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