Two men have been charged with 72 offences each over the alleged thefts and scams. Photo: NSW Police.
Two men have been charged as part of an investigation into multiple reports of elderly women allegedly being stolen from and scammed at shopping centre carparks from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga.
Strike Force Pitstop was established to look into 18 incidents that allegedly occurred since the start of 2026.
On Wednesday (7 January) officers arrested two men, aged 37 and 57, at a service station in Glenthorne, near Taree.
It’s alleged the two charged men would scam and steal from elderly people across the state. Photo: NSW Police.
During a search of the men and their vehicle, police allegedly located and seized vehicle wires, international passports, mobile phones, a Toughbook laptop, $6000 in cash and a number of receipts for money transfers.
The men were both charged with 72 offences each, relating to alleged fraud, theft and enter vehicle without consent.
It’s alleged the two men worked together to steal from multiple elderly female victims inside shopping centre carparks, between Saturday (3 January) and Wednesday (7 January).
Police allege the incidents took place in shopping centre carparks in:
- Albion Park
- Ashfield
- Beecroft
- Berowra Heights
- Double Bay
- Forster
- Goulburn
- Newcastle
- Pennant Hills
- Penrith
- Shellharbour
- The Ponds
- Tumut
- Unanderra
- Wagga Wagga.
A NSW Police statement outlined that it was believed one of the men would approach the victims claiming there was an issue with their vehicle, before asking them to raise the bonnet for an inspection.
“While the bonnet is up, another man allegedly steals items such as wallets, purses, cash and cards from inside the vehicle,” police claimed.
As investigations under Strike Force Pitstop continue, police have also released vision of two other men they wish to speak with.
The first man is described as of Caucasian appearance, in his 40s and of solid build. He’s wearing a white with black-checkered long-sleeve shirt, black shorts, sunglasses, and a black hat with a white graphic on the front.
The second man is described as of Caucasian appearance, in his 40s and of medium build. He’s 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 the front.
Anyone who may recognise these men or has information that may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The charged men are set to front court today (8 January).
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on About Regional.
