Authorities have been alerted to a cunning scheme allegedly operated by two men targeting elderly women in shopping center parking lots across the state, spanning from January 3 to January 7. These incidents involved a deceptive teamwork approach to theft.

In this alleged scam, one of the men would engage with the unsuspecting victims by informing them of a supposed problem with their vehicle, requesting that they open the hood for a so-called inspection. While the women were distracted, the second man would then rummage through their cars, making off with valuables such as wallets, purses, cash, and credit cards.

The audacious operation reportedly took place in various locations, stretching from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga, and including the bustling city of Sydney.

In a significant development, police apprehended two individuals, aged 37 and 57, at a service station on Manning River Drive in Glenthorne, near Taree. These arrests occurred yesterday, marking a pivotal moment in the investigation.

Investigators suspect that the detained men entered Australia on December 28 of the previous year, allegedly under false pretenses, having provided misleading information on their passenger cards and visa applications.

Police believe the men arrived in Australia on December 28 last year, after they allegedly lied on their passenger cards and visa applications.

Today, both men will be charged with a further 17 offences, including dealing with the proceeds of crime, and making a false statement to an officer over migration.

Police are also seeking two other men, but investigators believe both men may now be overseas.

The first man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 40s, of solid build, 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 being of Caucasian appearance, in his 40s, of medium build, wearing a white sleeve shirt, black shorts, black shoes with white bottoms, a blue face mask, and a black hat with a white graphic on front.

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