LANGLEY RCMP are investigating a robbery that occurred during an arranged meeting for an online marketplace sale.
On Monday, March 9, at approximately 6:28 p.m., Langley RCMP received a report from a victim who said she had been robbed while attempting to sell a designer handbag advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
The victim had arranged to meet the prospective buyer at a residential building in the 20000-block of 85 Avenue at approximately 6:20 p.m. The buyer initially viewed the bag inside the building and then convinced the victim to bring it outside so he could show it to a family member.
Once outside, the suspect grabbed the bag from the victim’s hands, pushed her to the ground, and ran to an idling vehicle parked on 86 Avenue before fleeing the area.
Police have obtained CCTV footage of the suspect and are releasing an image in hopes that someone from the public may recognize him.
“We are asking anyone who recognizes this individual to contact police,” said Sgt. Zynal Sharoom of Langley RCMP. “Incidents like this highlight the risks that can come with meeting strangers to complete online marketplace transactions.”
Langley RCMP are also reminding residents to take precautions when buying or selling items online:
- Arrange to meet buyers or sellers in well lit public places
- Consider completing transactions inside your local police detachments or other monitored areas
- Avoid meeting alone when selling high value items
- Do not allow strangers into your residence
- Trust your instincts and cancel the meeting if something feels suspicious
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or who has information related to this investigation is asked to contact Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200 and quote file number 2026-7422.
