Detectives have charged two men as an investigation into multiple reports of elderly drivers being allegedly stolen from and scammed at shopping centre carparks across NSW continues.
Officers attached to North West Region established Strike Force Pitstop to investigate 18 incidents across the state, from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga and including several suburbs across Sydney.
Following extensive inquiries, about 12.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 7 January 2026), officers attended a service station on Manning River Drive, Glenthorne, where they arrested two men, aged 37 and 57.
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.
Their vehicle was also seized or forensic examination.
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 today (Thursday 8 January 2026).
Police will allege the two men worked together to steal from multiple elderly female victims inside shopping centre carparks, between Saturday 3 January 2026 and Wednesday 7 January 2026.
Further alleging that one of the men approaches the victims claiming that there is an issue with their vehicle before asking them to raise the bonnet to inspect.
While the bonnet is up, another man allegedly steals items such as wallets, purses, cash and cards from inside the vehicle.
Police allege the incidents took place in shopping centre carparks in the following suburbs:
- Albion Park
- Ashfield
- Beecroft
- Berowra Heights
- Double Bay
- Forster
- Goulburn
- Newcastle
- Pennant Hills
- Penrith
- Shellharbour
- The Ponds
- Tumut
- Unanderra
- Wagga Wagga
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 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 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.
