Two men accused of tricking elderly drivers about fake problems with their cars only to then steal wallets and cash from inside their vehicles have been arrested.
Police allege the men, aged 37 and 57, went on a stealing spree between Saturday and Wednesday, running the scam 18 times at shopping centres across NSW.
The scheme, which authorities said targeted elderly female drivers, allegedly involved one man approaching victims and telling them there was an issue with their car, encouraging them to open the bonnet to have a look.
His offsider then allegedly went through the vehicles and stole wallets, purses, cash and cards, police said.
The duo were arrested in Glenthorne, near Taree on the NSW mid-north coast, on Wednesday.
Police said a search of the pair and their vehicle uncovered $6,000 in cash, passports, mobile phones, a laptop and a number of money transfer receipts.
They are accused of targeting shopping centre car parks across NSW, including in Sydney, Goulburn, Newcastle and Wagga Wagga.
The pair have been hit with 72 charges each relating to theft, fraud and entering a vehicle without consent.
Two men have been arrested after allegedly stealing from elderly drivers in car parks
The men allegedly targeted car parks in the Sydney area, Goulburn, Newcastle and Wagga Wagga
Both will face bail court on Thursday.
Police are also searching for another two men they would like to speak to in relation to the incidents, both described as Caucasian and in their 40s.
