NSW Police Investigate Scams Targeting Older Individuals
New South Wales Police are investigating two separate series of alleged scams targeting older individuals. In one case, police are seeking a man in connection with an alleged roofing scam in Sydney's inner west. In a separate, larger investigation, two men have been charged in connection with 18 alleged thefts from vehicles in shopping center car parks across the state.
Alleged Roofing Scam in Sydenham
Police are seeking a man in connection with an incident in Sydenham on March 3. According to police, a 73-year-old woman was approached at her home by a man who claimed to be a roofer and stated urgent repairs were needed on her apartment complex. He was allowed inside her home.
The following day, the man returned and drove the woman to her local bank, where she was pressured to write a cheque for tens of thousands of dollars as an advance payment. The woman later cancelled the cheque and reported the incident.
Police believe the man drives a white van and may be accompanied by a second man.
Suspect Description
Police have released CCTV footage and describe the man as having a Caucasian appearance, approximately 180cm tall, aged in his 40s or 50s, with a distinctive accent possibly described as Irish. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, a black hat, and blue jeans.
Police Advice
Detective Inspector Benjamin Kennis of the Inner West Police Area Command advised that individuals approached for urgent home repairs should:
- Check licensing credentials with authorities like NSW Fair Trading.
- Not let strangers inside their home if unsure.
- Not accompany strangers to financial institutions.
- Involve trusted family members.
- Contact police if they believe they have been a victim.
Statewide Car Park Theft Investigation
In a separate matter, NSW Police have charged two men in connection with 18 alleged thefts in shopping center car parks across the state. The incidents are reported to have occurred between January 3 and January 7 in locations from Wagga Wagga to Forster, including several Sydney suburbs.
Reported Method
Police allege the incidents involved offenders approaching older female victims and claiming there was a problem with their vehicles. It is alleged that while one individual distracted the victim by encouraging them to inspect under the bonnet, another removed items such as wallets, purses, cash, and cards from inside the vehicle.
Arrests and Charges
Two men, aged 37 and 57, were arrested on the state's Mid North Coast on January 28. A search of their vehicle allegedly yielded vehicle wires, international passports, $6,000 in cash, and receipts for money transfers.
Both men were charged with a total of 72 offenses and were refused bail. They are scheduled to appear in court. Police have also laid a further 17 charges, including dealing with the proceeds of crime and making a false statement on migration documents.
Victim Account
One alleged victim, Libby Taylor, 64, reported that after a similar incident at a Lake Macquarie shopping center, she received notifications for transactions totaling over $14,000 made in Dubai approximately 40 minutes later.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are seeking public assistance to locate two additional men for questioning, both described as Caucasian males in their 40s. Police believe these individuals may now be overseas.
Public Appeals
Police are urging anyone with information related to either investigation to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online.