Coquitlam RCMP warn of an increase in robberies associated to ads posted on social media

Coquitlam

2022-03-02 09:44 PST

File # 2022-1936

The Coquitlam RCMP is warning the community of an increase in the number of reported personal robberies associated to ads posted on social media. 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.

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.

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.

Released by,
Cst. Deanna Law
Media Relations Officer
Coquitlam RCMP-GRC
604-945-1580

Released by

Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations

Office: (604) 945-1580

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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