Police in New South Wales have uncovered and swiftly disrupted a disturbing new pattern of criminal activity targeting some of the community's most vulnerable members. Two foreign nationals on tourist visas have been charged following a spate of alleged thefts from elderly women in supermarket carparks across the state, with losses exceeding $50,000.
A Callous and Coordinated Crime Spree
The alleged offences took place between Saturday, January 3, and Wednesday, January 7. According to NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney, the alleged scam operation was "well-coordinated" and followed a similar pattern each time. One man would approach a woman who had just finished her shopping and was sitting in her parked car, pretending to be a Good Samaritan.
"They have approached the victims after they have completed their shopping. They obviously know they will have their wallet or some form of credit card on them," Assistant Commissioner Maloney stated. The alleged offender would claim to have spotted a problem with the victim's car, either mechanical or cosmetic, prompting the concerned woman to exit her vehicle and open the bonnet to inspect it.
While the victim was distracted, a second alleged co-offender, who had remained out of sight, would move in and steal wallets, purses, cash, and cards from inside the vehicle. Each theft was executed in a matter of minutes. The stolen items were then allegedly used to defraud the victims.
State-Wide Trail of Alleged Offending
The alleged crimes occurred at shopping centres in numerous locations, demonstrating the offenders' mobility. The list of affected areas includes:
- Albion Park
- Ashfield
- Beecroft
- Berowra Heights
- Double Bay
- Forster
- Goulburn
- Newcastle
- Pennant Hills
- Penrith
- Shellharbour
- The Ponds
- Tumut
- Unanderra
- Wagga Wagga
Most of the 18 known victims were aged over 60, with the eldest in her mid-80s. Once police identified the pattern of offending and the vehicle used by the alleged perpetrators, they tracked it to a service station in Glenthorne on Thursday, January 7.
A subsequent raid on the car led to the seizure of international passports, mobile phones, a laptop, approximately $6000 in cash, and several money transfer receipts. The two men, aged 37 and 57, who had entered Australia on December 28, were arrested and charged.
Part of a Broader International Syndicate
Assistant Commissioner Maloney described the alleged crimes as "callous and cowardly," adding, "It makes my blood boil." She praised the rapid collaboration between various police area commands for stopping the spree quickly.
However, the investigation suggests the operation's roots run deeper. Police believe at least two other men were involved and have released CCTV footage of persons of interest. More significantly, Maloney indicated the activity is likely linked to a larger organised network.
"We believe, given the international passports and the money transfers, that it is part of a broader organisational syndicate," she explained. The alleged scam method is known to police internationally but is considered new to Australia.
Authorities are concerned there may be additional victims who have not yet realised they were robbed during what seemed like a benign interaction. NSW Police are urging anyone who believes they may have been targeted to contact Crime Stoppers immediately. The force is also working with the Australian Federal Police as the investigation continues.
