Police are re issuing a warning after a rise in stealing and fraud offences targeting elderly residents, including across the Illawarra.
Investigators say offenders are approaching older people in public places, claiming they’ve dropped a wallet or cash.
While the victim is distracted, their wallet is stolen and bank cards are later used fraudulently.
One incident of note occurred in Fairy Meadow earlier this month, when a 73 year old woman had her credit card stolen after leaving a supermarket near Princes Highway and Elliots Road.
Police allege her card was used in eight fraudulent transactions totalling nearly $2,000.
Similar incidents have been reported across Wollongong, Lake Illawarra and the South Coast, with police believing a group of four people may be involved.
As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone who may have experienced a similar approach to report the incident to their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
