Caylup Hall, 18, had saved the money over two months to buy a used car when his wallet fell into a couch he had been sitting on outside the Coles supermarket at the shopping centre just before 6pm Tuesday.

The Springhurst factory worker and his girlfriend had driven to Wodonga’s Bunnings before realising the wallet was missing.

They returned to the shopping centre and searched the couch before seeking help from security.

A guard then found footage showing a man in the vicinity of the couch.

He was later have found to have gone to toilets in the plaza and the wallet, minus the money, was discovered in the restrooms.

“It’s a bit of a blow out and I was a bit shocked,” Mr Hall said.

“They left $5 and they took $1200.

“It was my car money, I was going to purchase a car that afternoon.

“I’m a bit dumbfounded.” 

Police have released an image of a man they’re seeking in relation to the theft and urged those who can help to call Wodonga police on (02) 6049 2600.

Leading Sen-Constable Chris Grimmett said the wallet contained Mr Hall’s driver’s licence and other identifying cards so it could have been returned.