BURNABY’S RCMP’s Strike Force Unit have arrested a man after an online marketplace robbery investigation.
On January 26 just after 7:30 p.m., Burnaby RCMP frontline officers responded to a report of a robbery in the area of Halifax Street and Phillips Avenue. The victim reported that he met with an unknown man in order to sell some items after advertising them online.
The suspect approached the victim and, once he had the items in his possession, pepper sprayed the victim before fleeing the scene. The suspect was gone before police arrived.
Burnaby RCMP’s Strike Force Unit assumed conduct of the investigation and identified a suspect.
On February 18, with the assistance of the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 1100-block of Inlet Street in Coquitlam. One man was arrested.
The investigation is ongoing.
“As more people choose to use on-line platforms to buy and sell items, so too will fraudsters and people with bad intentions,” said Sgt. Aly Mohan with Burnaby RCMP’s Strike Force. “We know people are going to use these platforms but we’re just asking them to be cautious, especially when arranging a meeting where money and property are to be exchanged.”
As online marketplaces become more popular, Burnaby RCMP is encouraging people to be aware of their surroundings and keep these safety tips in mind:
- Check the person’s profile before buying or selling a product online;
- Meet in public, during daylight hours;
- Take a friend with you;
- Avoid inviting unknown people into your home to buy or sell anything;
- If you have been a victim of a robbery or a fraud, call police and do not engage with the suspect yourself.
For more tips visit: BC RCMP Safety Tips
