Four people, including two youths, are facing charges after people responding to buy-and-sell ads were robbed.
According to London police, online ads were placed between February 17 and March 11 which advertised newer cellphones for sale. Victims responded to the ads and made arrangements to meet in order to exchange money for phones. Instead, the victims were robbed of their cash.
"On one occasion, the victim was threatened with a firearm," police said. "On another occasion, a residence was broken into while the occupants slept, and two vehicles were stolen."
An investigation led to the arrests of four people. A 24-year-old man from Etobicoke is charged with two counts of armed robbery, use of a firearm during a crime, assault with a weapon, theft under $5,000, two counts of break and enter, and fraudulent use of a credit card.
An 18-year-old London man is charged with robbery with violence or threats, two counts of possession of stolen property, three counts of theft under $5,000, assault, and uttering threats of death or bodily harm.
Two 15-year-olds from London are charged with armed robbery, use of a firearm during a crime, possession of property obtained by crime, uttering threats of death or bodily harm, assault, and two counts of theft under $5,000.
Police said there were 10 victims involved in these incidents, although they believe there may be more. They are also reminding people of the ways they can protect themselves when meeting online sellers.
“Meet the prospective buyer/seller in a public place; one that is both well illuminated and familiar to you,” said Detective Sergeant Ryan Scrivens of the General Investigations Section. “Do not carry large sums of cash and instead, consider an e-transfer once you are satisfied with the condition of the presented item for sale. When possible, be accompanied by a friend or family member and if the deal is simply too good to be true, recognize that it may be a lure used by a would-be thief.”
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com.