Two Men Busted for Targeting Elderly in Car Park Card Scam
Two crooks have been arrested after ripping off four elderly victims in car park frauds across Tunbridge Wells and Pembury. The sneaky scam involved a modified parking payment machine that swiped credit cards without a blink.
Car Park Scam Hits Twice in One Hour
On Thursday, September 8, 2022, between 11.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m., two victims were conned while paying for parking in Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells. Another two were targeted in a hospital car park at Pembury.
Each reported two men had approached them using a tampered parking machine that swallowed their credit cards.
Police Chase Ends With Double Arrest
Officers quickly acted on the reports. At 12.35 p.m., the suspects were caught after a police chase in New Road, Crowborough, East Sussex, where they failed to stop when ordered.
Serious Charges Filed
- James Zakir, 26 from East Ham, Beckton, London faces multiple charges including three counts of fraud by false representation, three thefts, three attempted thefts, dangerous driving, and failing to stop for police.
- Karim Shariff, 35 from Fothergill Close, Greater London, is charged with three counts of fraud, theft, and attempted theft.
Both men appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on September 10 and were remanded in custody. They are due back in Maidstone Crown Court on October 10, 2022.
