Police investigating robbery and theft of iPhones being sold via digital marketplace

West Shore

2025-01-07 09:11 PST

File # 2025-298 and 299

West Shore RCMP is currently investigating two reports, one involving a robbery and the other a theft of iPhones that were being sold via Facebook Marketplace. Both reports were received on the evening of January 5, 2025.

The first incident took place outside near the 800 block of Hockley Ave in Langford at approximately 7:00 p.m. Police learned a seller agreed to meet with a male suspect in order to facilitate the sale of an iPhone. The suspect is alleged to have attempted to steal the iPhone from the seller and assaulted the seller in the process. The suspect then ran on foot towards Goldstream Ave.

The second incident took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. outside the 3100 block of Jacklin Ave in Langford. The seller agreed to meet with the suspect who is alleged to have stolen the iPhone from the seller and then run away on foot.

Police conducted extensive patrols of the respective areas at the time of the reports but did not locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as:

• 15-20 year old young man of Middle Eastern decent;
• brown curly hair;
• brown eyes;
• clean shaven face;
• wearing a green zip up hoodie, black baggy pants, white Air Force style shoes.

If you know who this suspect could be or have information that could help police, please contact West Shore RCMP by calling 250-474-2264. You can report anonymously online or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

There is an inherent risk to selling or purchasing items directly from unknown persons. Police are advising the public to take safety precautions while engaging in online digital selling platforms.

Some safety tips to consider:

• Meet up during the daylight hours;
• Pick a well-lit place to meet up that is known to have video surveillance; a police detachment is a good choice;
• Take a friend or family member with you to the meet;
• Rely on contactless pickup when possible, using secure electronic money transfers for payment.

For more information and safety tips regarding online digital marketplace click here.

Released by:

Email: westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: westshore.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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