Buying and selling in person turned robbery and peppery spray victim.
The Coquitlam RCMP say there have been a uptick in reported assaults’ and personal robberies related to ads posted on social media and local online marketplaces that require meet up for the buy and sell. “In a number of recent incidents, pepper spray was utilized to incapacitate the victim before the suspect(s) ran off with the victim’s items that were for sale.” Said a news release from the Coquitlam RCMP.
adding to that it said “Online buy/sell applications enable criminals to arrange face-to-face meetings with their victims (buyers or sellers), who they know will be in possession of cash or high valued items. Police would like the public to keep in mind that the person selling
the items and the person buying
the items can be victims in a robbery.”
The Coquitlam RCMP are encouraging the public to review their recommendations to help keep yourself safe.
Here are some tips to avoid being a victim as a seller or a buyer:
- Obtain as much information as possible about the potential buyer prior to arranging a meet (name, phone number, etc);
- Let family or friends know of your plans or have them come with you;
- Meet the potential buyer in a well populated area, well lit and in view of others;
- Ensure there is camera coverage where you are meeting;
- Call 911 if you think you see a crime in progress;
- Report all robberies to the police as soon as possible;
- Be especially careful when buying or selling high value items;
- Always trust your instincts while arranging a meeting, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
The Coquitlam RCMP Robbery Unit are actively investigating reported robberies and searching for these criminals. If you see a crime in progress, call 911 immediately. To report a crime after the fact, please call the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency line at 604-945-1550.
