RICHMOND RCMP announced on Wednesday that in response to an increase in reported incidents involving theft and fraud during in-person online marketplace transactions, they are expanding the operational hours of their Safe Exchange Zone.
Located at the main detachment lobby (11411 No. 5 Road), this space now offers extended hours to facilitate safer exchanges, monitored by CCTV for added security.
The new Safe Exchange Zone is now open:
* Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* Saturday, Sunday, and statutory holidays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Richmond RCMP said that they established the Safe Exchange Zone to provide a secure environment for the community to conduct online transactions, such as buying or selling goods from platforms like Facebook Marketplace. With CCTV monitoring and a public location, this initiative aims to reduce the risk of theft, fraud, and confrontations that can occur in unregulated meeting spots.
Richmond RCMP’s crime analysis shows a notable 67-percent rise in online transaction-related fraud and robbery incidents related to the physical exchange of items, where perpetrators have sometimes used weapons such as bear spray or knives.
To raise public awareness, Richmond RCMP highlighted four recent cases linked to online marketplace exchanges:
* September 15: A male suspect allegedly robbed a victim of $2,000 in clothing after arranging a sale through Facebook Marketplace. The suspect reportedly threatened the victim with bear spray before fleeing.
* September 22: A buyer, reportedly feigning injury, sent an accomplice to a meet-up, where the suspect is alleged to have stolen a box of high-value Pokémon cards before the transaction could be completed.
* October 14: Another incident involved a young suspect allegedly fleeing with a phone after a meet-up in a secondary school parking lot.
* October 29: Officers responded to a report of robbery in-progress following an attempted sale of a hoodie with an unknown male arranged through Facebook Marketplace, conducted at a secondary school parking lot. Richmond RCMP located a potential suspect nearby matching the description provided, who was found in breach of prior conditions. The suspect was arrested and held pending bail hearing.
These cases highlight the inherent risks associated with peer-to-peer transactions, highlighting the importance of safe, monitored, public spaces for such exchanges, said police.
“Expanding the Safe Exchange Zone is part of Richmond RCMP’s commitment to community safety and crime prevention,” said Chief Superintendent Dave Chauhan, Officer-in-Charge of Richmond RCMP. “We strongly encourage Richmond residents to utilize this space for all online marketplace transactions, reducing the need for police intervention and protecting our community members from potential harm.”
