The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has issued a warning to the public following a string of recent robberies related to buy-and-sell purchases
EPS has responded to six buy-and-sell exchange robberies recently that have occurred throughout the city . In each case, the seller agrees to meet the proposed buyer at the seller’s residence between 8 p.m. and midnight. One or two males then arrive at the seller’s residence with pepper spray, then snatch the item being offered for sale and fled.
In some cases, the suspects have actually sprayed the seller with the pepper spray, while in others, the pepper spray is only threatened. In one instance, the suspects reportedly displayed a gun while committing the robbery. Typically, the items being offered for sale are cell phones.
Edmonton Police are reminding the public to exercise caution when making online buy-and-sell exchanges.
Police have identified several suspects and continue to investigate the series.
Citizens are reminded that allowing strangers from online classified sites to come to your home is risky. For this reason, the EPS offers four “Buy and Sell Exchange Zones” at the following locations:
- Northeast Division Station: 14203 50 Street
- Southeast Division Station: 104 Youville Drive East
- Southwest Division Station: 1351 Windermere Way SW
- West Division Station:16505 100 Avenue NW
Each Exchange Zone is recorded by video surveillance 24/7.
Online classified buyers and sellers are also encouraged to meet during daylight hours in a public place, bring a friend or let someone know when and where you will be meeting. More online classifieds safety tips are available here.
Anyone with information about these buy-and-sell robberies or any other crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
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