Edmonton police say three people are being charged for allegedly stealing items listed on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace.
EPS says earlier this year, they issued a warning regarding a series of personal robberies related to online marketplace sales of higher-priced items.
In each incident, a suspect posing as a buyer meets up with the seller, evaluates the item(s) for sale, and then robs the seller of the item, often using bear spray, uttering threats, or presenting a firearm. Police also note that in some cases, the alleged thefts involved more than one person.
Additionally, police were able to link a series of fake iPhone sales to the same individuals.
Through an investigation, police were able to identify and take three people into custody in connection with eight separate incidents.
Police have since charged 18-year-old Cody Bear with 23 robbery and weapons-related offences, 19-year-old Delvoi Sadiki with six robbery and weapons-related offences, and 19-year-old Arianna Mejia with one count of robbery.
Marketplace theft warning
Edmonton police are also issuing a warning to the public as they’ve received 53 reports of thefts since mid-December.
While police note that the majority of the incidents happened in the Hillview and Richfield neighbourhoods, they are happening across the city.
“We are pleased to share that we have made some arrests in relation to these incidents and want Edmontonians to know that we continue to diligently investigate these offences,” says Staff Sergeant Eric Stewart, with the EPS Investigative Response Team. “If you are buying or selling items on online platforms, remember to put your safety first and trust your instincts. If something feels off at any point, it probably is, and it’s best to abandon the transaction.”
EPS has provided steps buyers and sellers can take to ensure their safety when using online marketplaces, which are as follows:
Do not meet in a secluded place or invite strangers into your home. Suggest meeting during the day at one of the EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zones.
Ask the buyer/seller for photo ID. Take a photo of it for your reference.
Take screenshots of the advertisements, the advertisement ID number, the seller’s/buyer’s contact information, and all communications.
Obtain a bill of sale and verify the seller’s identity through photo ID. Inform the seller that you want this before meeting; this will deter those selling illegitimate property from selling the property.
Do not disclose to the seller how you will be paying if it’s not necessary. If the seller is aware that you will be arriving with a large quantity of cash, it is an excellent opportunity for a personal robbery to take place.
For more information about online buying and selling safety and EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zones visit the EPS website.