Two charged with 144 offences over alleged shopping centre carpark scams targeting elderly women

8 January 2026

newy.com.au – Two men have been charged after police alleged elderly women were targeted in a spate of thefts and scams in shopping centre carparks across NSW.

NSW Police said officers from North West Region formed Strike Force Pitstop to investigate 18 incidents reported from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga, including several suburbs across Sydney.

Police said the pair, aged 37 and 57, were arrested about 12.20pm on Wednesday 7 January 2026 after officers attended a service station on Manning River Drive at Glenthorne. During a search, investigators allegedly seized vehicle wires, international passports, mobile phones, a Toughbook laptop, $6000 cash and receipts for money transfers.

Their vehicle was also seized for forensic examination, police said.

Both men were taken to Taree Police Station and charged with 72 offences each, including alleged fraud, theft and enter vehicle without consent. They were refused bail and were due to appear before Bail Division Court 1 on Thursday 8 January 2026.

Police will allege the men worked together to steal from multiple elderly female victims in shopping centre carparks between Saturday 3 January 2026 and Wednesday 7 January 2026. Investigators allege one man approached victims claiming there was an issue with their vehicle and asked them to raise the bonnet, while the other allegedly stole items such as wallets, purses, cash and cards from inside the car.

Police allege the incidents occurred in carparks at Albion Park, Ashfield, Beecroft, Berowra Heights, Double Bay, Forster, Goulburn, Newcastle, Pennant Hills, Penrith, Shellharbour, The Ponds, Tumut, Unanderra and Wagga Wagga.

As the investigation continues, police have released vision of two other men they want to speak with. The first is described as having a solid build and wearing a white-and-black checkered long-sleeve shirt, black shorts, sunglasses and a black hat with a white graphic, while the second is described as having a medium build and wearing a white shirt, black shorts, black shoes with white soles, a blue face mask and a black hat with a white graphic.

Anyone who recognises the men or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.