Four South American men accused of taking part in a string of jewellery heists as part of an international crime syndicate will be hauled before a Sydney court as police hunt for more offenders.
The men – aged 23, 30, 43 and 52 – are due to front Liverpool Local Court on Monday over their alleged roles in more than 17 robberies across Sydney in the past two months.
‘The group use planned distraction techniques to effect the stealing, including: telling the victims they have a flat tyre, deliberately bumping into the victims and spilling drinks on them, engaging their victims in conversation or asking for directions,’ Detective Superintendent Murray Chapman told reporters on Monday.
Four Chilean men are accused of taking part in a string of jewellery heists as part of an international crime syndicate (stock image)
The men, aged 23, 30, 43 and 52, reportedly robbed $600,000 worth of cash and jewels (stock image)
The syndicate coordinated their operation using earpieces and mobile phones, as well as wearing hats and glasses to disguise their identities, Detective Chapman said.
Police say the band of thieves have netted $600,000 in cash and jewels.
The four alleged members of the syndicate were arrested at Sydney airport on Saturday – two of them pulled off a plane bound for Santiago, Chile at the last minute.
Investigators have released security footage as they search for more offenders.
The men – aged 23, 30, 43 and 52 – were due to front Liverpool Local Court on Monday
The thieves, allegedly from Chile and Colombia, are in Australia on tourist or student visas, who distracted their many victims while other members robbed them during August and September.
Gang members staked out banks and jewellery stores to find victims carrying cash and valuables and often targeted the elderly.
Australian Associated Press understands the syndicate also hit a large jewellery fair in Sydney where they were caught on camera before fleeing with a large amount of jewellery.
Police are urging the public to remain vigilant, especially those who have just completed banking transactions or are in possession of cash or jewellery.