Charges laid after elderly targeted in carpark fraud

CHARGES have been laid as detectives investigate fraud and stealing offences allegedly committed in car parks in dozens of locations across NSW, including in Port Stephens and the Mid Coast.

Officers attached to North West Metropolitan Region established Strike Force Pitstop to investigate incidents reported across the state, from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga and including several suburbs across Sydney.

Investigators were told two men worked together to steal from multiple elderly female victims inside shopping centre carparks, between Saturday 3 and Wednesday 7 January 2026.

“One of the men would allegedly approach the victims, claiming there is an issue with their vehicle before asking them to raise the bonnet and inspect,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“While the bonnet is up, another man allegedly steals items such as wallets, purses, cash and cards from inside the vehicle.”

Following extensive inquiries, about 12.20pm on Wednesday 7 January, officers attended a service station on Manning River Drive, Glenthorne, where they arrested two men, aged 37 and 57.

They were both taken to Taree Police Station, where they were charged with 72 offences each, relating to alleged fraud, theft, and “enter vehicle without consent”.

Both men were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 on Thursday 8 January 2026, where they were formally refused bail and remain before the courts.

Investigations under Strike Force Pitstop have continued, with further alleged offences identified in Medowie, Tuncurry, Waratah, Wyong, Gundagai, Mount Warrigal and Sydney.

Police believe the men arrived in Australia on Sunday 28 December 2025, when they allegedly made false representations on passenger cards and Visa applications.

The men, who appeared before Parramatta Local Court this week, are now charged with a total of 89 offences each.

As inquiries continue, police continue to appeal for information about two other men they wish to speak with; however, police believe the men may now be offshore.

The first man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 40s, of solid build, depicted 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, depicted wearing a white sleeve shirt, black shorts, black shoes with white bottoms, a blue face mask, a black hat with a white graphic on front.

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