Box Hill scammers pocket more than $150K in cash and jewellery as part of spirit shams

Police have appealed for help from the public to identify a group of people who have been allegedly scamming victims out of more than $150,000 in cash and valuables in Box Hill by convincing their victims that there is a spirit following them or that they or a family member is in danger.

Detectives have alleged a group of three women and two men have been working together to separately approach elderly women on the street across three incidents on Station Street in Box Hill on Tuesday 26th November and Wednesday 4th December last year.

After successfully convincing their victims there is a spirit following them, or that they or a family member is in danger, the alleged offenders then offer to help the victims expel the spirits by praying over their bag containing money and jewellery.

The offenders have allegedly told their victims to not to look in the bag for a period of time and when they finally look into the bag, they find that their valuables have been stolen.

Police have begun investigations into three incidents which occurred on Station Street in Box Hill on Tuesday 26th November at 10am and Wednesday 4th December at 9.45am and 1.55pm.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au