MELBOURNE - A woman who spills hot chocolate on cashed-up bank customers and then robs them while pretending to help has made off with at least A$24,000 ($29,000).
Melbourne's "hot chocolate thief" has struck at least three times and targets women. Last month she stole A$20,000 one victimhad just withdrawn from the bank.
Police said the robberies were very well planned, and there was video footage of the woman working with at least one man.
"The thefts themselves are well organised. They are conducting surveillance, we believe," Leading Senior Constable Richard Borradale said.
"She follows them from a banking area, and, when the moment is right, she will throw hot chocolate on the victim from behind.
"While the victim is trying to clean herself down, the suspect will help her, basically distracting her from what's going on.
"At that same time she will help herself to the money that's been carried in her purse or bag and remove that, without the victim even being aware of it."
One woman lost A$20,000 she had just withdrawn from the Commonwealth Bank on the corner of Collins and Queen Sts on November 12.
Police said the thief had been seen wearing a grey suit, white shirt and sunglasses on her head.
She is described as aged in her 40s with red and brown shoulder-length hair and speaks with a European accent.
