Two charged, two more wanted after 'bonnet up' scam targeting elderly women in NSW
Updated . First published
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.
It is alleged both men worked to steal from elderly women inside shopping centre car parks between last Saturday and yesterday in a "bonnet up" scam.
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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'.
Whilst the victim does this, the other man allegedly steals items from the car, 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.
It is alleged the men hit 15 suburbs and towns overall.
When the pair were arrested, police allegedly found $6000 in cash, international passports, and several receipts for money transfers.
They were taken to Taree Police Station, where they were issued with 72 charges each relating to fraud, theft and entering a vehicle without consent.
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Police are searching for two more men in relation to the scam. Supplied
They were refused bail and will appear in court 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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