A bogus delivery man is wanted after he allegedly scammed at least 17 businesses out of $13,500 during a two-month crime spree.
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Police say the man walks into businesses, including bakeries, cafes, bottleshops and ice cream shops, across Victoria and claims he requires cash up front to make a delivery between December 11 and January 21.
"Police have been told in most of the incidents, the man attends a business or residence claiming he has a delivery of goods to make, however, requires payment before he can give them their items," Victoria Police said in a statement.
"He also tries to sell goods at bargain prices but requires payment up front.
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"Once the victims hand over the cash, between $100 and $2500, the offender leaves saying he's going to get the items due for delivery or purchased, but instead takes off."
Detectives have released images of a man called Mark Filiti who officers said "will be able to assist" their investigation.
A warrant has been issued for Filiti's arrest and police are looking for the public's assistance to locate him.
The incidents police are investigating include:
- December 11, $1800 taken from a woman at a private residence in St Albans
- December 18, $200 taken from a bottle shop in Sydenham
- December 21, $100 taken from a bakery in Flemington
- December 22, $550 taken from a grocery store in Prahran
- December 24, $450 taken from an ice cream store in Thornbury
- December 24, $800 taken from a cafe in Thornbury
- December 26, $2500 taken from a shop in Werribee
- December 29, $300 taken from a bakery in Gisborne
- January 4, $2000 taken from a fish and chip shop in Portarlington
- January 5, $700 taken from an ice cream shop in Dromana
- January 5, the offender attempted to sell discounted coffee to a cafe in Moolap however staff didn't provide any cash
- January 8, $1300 taken from a fast-food outlet in Pakenham
- January 15, $400 taken from a fast-food outlet in South Morang
- January 16, $600 taken from a bottle shop in Briar Hill
- January 17, $500 taken from a cafe in Macleod
- January 21, $450 taken from a cafe in Broadford
- January 21, $850 taken from a gift store in Seymour
Investigators searched a Burnside Heights address on December 30 as part of the investigation, however no arrests have been made at this stage.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
